The T&A's new Shipley district office has been officially opened by MP Chris Leslie.

Watched by invited guests - including PC Mick Kingdon, of Shipley's town centre policing team - Mr Leslie cut a ribbon outside the new office to mark our short hop across Kirkgate.

Following a tour of the newly refurbished premises at 27 Kirkgate, the Shipley MP said: "It's been fantastic to see the brand new offices open to the public and accessible for news, advertising and other services.

"I've grown up with the Telegraph & Argus and feel it's an integral part of local community life so I'm delighted to see a continuing strong presence in Shipley.''

T&A editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "We're very grateful to Chris Leslie for helping us to mark our big move.

"It is a significant step for us in increasing and developing our commitment to our readers in Shipley and the surrounding area and in reaffirming our pride in serving this community to the best of our ability."

The move across Kirkgate has kept the T&A's local news-gathering operation firmly based in Shipley town centre and came 21 years after the lease on its former premises at 18 Kirkgate was taken out. The new office - which faces Shipley's Market Square and lies between Marshells newsagents and the Wilkinson store - is staffed by reporters Ian Lewis, Alexandra Phillips and Robert Sutcliffe, as well as Adele Dean and Pat Bentley, who share the post of receptionist.

The receptionists' duties include dealing with advertising, photo sales, Reader Holidays, accounts and newsagents' inquiries.

Our new office is open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, with members of the public welcome to call in to speak to a reporter or receptionist, buy their T&A or pick up copies of our sister papers, the Aire Valley Target and Bradford Star.

The T&A's contact numbers at the new office remain unchanged.

For editorial ring (01274) 580493 and for advertising inquiries call (01274) 585757. Our fax number remains (01274) 773388.

Our picture shows reporter Ian Lewis, editor Perry Austin-Clarke, PC Kingdon and MP Chris Leslie at the office opening.