The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Stanley King, donned Keighley's mayoral robes -- last worn in 1974 -- at the reception for the first civic dinner in the town for over 70 years.

At his side was Brian Welham, who last wore the robes 27-years ago as the last Mayor of Keighley before local government re-organisation.

Cllr King also wore the Keighley civic chain as did the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Barbara Ball.

The Lord Mayor told more than 100 guests at the event, in East Riddlesden Hall : "We are wearing these magnificent civic treasures for two purposes -- to let Keighley people see them and enjoy them, and to honour the civic pride and community spirit of Keighley, which remains absolutely undiminished despite its 27-year association with that other place at the opposite end of Manningham Lane."

He recalled the final mayor's inauguration in May 1973, when the incoming Mayor, Cllr Welham, vowed that when amalgamation took place in 1974 Keighley was not going to lose its identity, its own citizens, building, organisations, shopping centres or social activities.

"Keighley was going to remain Keighley and very much alive. That promise has been amply fulfilled. Keighley has not faded away or lost heart.

"Keighley's councillor's, people and organisations will never allow that to happen, and there's no reason why they should."

He added: "Experts assure us (and we never argue with experts) that there hasn't been a civic dinner in Keighley since the 1920s.

"There have been civic lunches and civic balls, but apparently not a dinner pure and simple.

"I hope that this function will become an annual event, and that Keighley folk will always support it enthusiastically."

The dinner was organised at the Lord Mayor's request to boost his Brain Wave appeal -- which is raising money for St Luke's and Airedale hospitals' neurology departments. At Airedale they hope to be able to buy a special electrically operated mobility bed and a Lyko Hoist.

This week it was announced that £1,086 was raised on the evening.

The Lord Mayor had asked the appeal committee to involve as many Keighley companies and groups as possible.

The evening began with a reception and music provided by the senior recorder group at Keighley Music Centre. The guest speaker at the dinner -- sponsored by Abbey National -- was Ian Dewhirst MBE.

The Master of Ceremonies was Malcolm Hoddy, editor of the Keighley News, who also devised a true or false quiz based on facts about Keighley.

The cabaret entertainment came from Jens Hislop and his Bavarian Oompah Band , from Haworth.

Table flowers were by Keighley Flower Club. Steve Bell managing director of Raiseprint printed the tickets and menu cards for free.

Auction items included a TV cabinet from Silentnight, at Dalton Lane, and bottles of Landlord Bitter from Timothy Taylor's.

During the evening, a surprise presentation was made to Cllr David Harrison and his wife, Janet, who were celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary.

They had arrived back from a holiday in Istanbul on the same day as the dinner.

This week the Lord Mayor said: "The event was truly wonderful -- one of the highlights of the civic year.

"The venue was full, the atmosphere was highly congenial and everyone seemed to really enjoy the evening."