The new Keighley Festival website is up and running, giving information about events planned for the June 15-23 jamboree.

Local people wishing to take part or with imaginative ideas for new events can contact organisers by e-mail through the website.

Information about each participating group, a map, picture gallery and links to other organisations will be added over the next few weeks.

The site became operational as the Keighley Festival launched an appeal for more local groups and communities to get involved.

Chairman Peter Halliwell wants every area of Keighley, including outlying villages and estates, to be represented during this year's nine-day festival.

The aim is for local people and groups to organise their own activities with administrative, promotional or financial support from the central committee.

The committee is made up of 13 people including representatives of participating groups, such as Aire Valley Vintage Machinery Club, old time dancing and Keighley Asian Sports Association.

Mr Halliwell says dates have already been earmarked for many established Keighley Festival events including the Mela, Sport Karnival, cookery, five-a-side football, tea dances and country music concert.

But he particularly wants to hear from people with imaginative ideas for brand new attractions on any of the festival days.

The model boat, plane and car extravaganza - introduced for the first time last year - proved one of the most popular events and is being repeated on June 23.

Mr Halliwell hopes to include Haworth and Cross Roads Churches Together, as well as bringing AMF Bowl into the Sport Karnival day on June 16.

The chairman says small amounts of money could be available from the festival's Bradford council grant to help each group organise its event.

Mr Halliwell says the new website is being put together with the help of Keighley Lions member Allan Clark.

The new website, at www.keighleyfestival.info, features the new festival logo alongside Keighley's coat of arms.

Anyone with ideas for events should phone Mr Halliwell on 01535 216936 or email chairperson@keighleyfestival.info.

Officers elected at the festival's recent annual general meeting were: chairman Peter Halliwell, vice-chairman Jim Pickles, secretary Jilly Foster, treasurer Susan Roberts.