The Telegraph & Argus is re-locating its Shipley district office - to premises 30 yards away.

The short hop across Kirkgate will keep the T&A's local news-gathering operation firmly rooted in Shipley's town centre.

The move is due to take place tomorrow with an official opening of the new office set to be carried out by Shipley MP Chris Leslie on Monday.

Editor Perry Austin-Clarke said: "This latest investment in Shipley is clear evidence of the T&A's commitment to the town and its people.

"Shipley is a strong community with a big heart and the T&A is proud to be able to strengthen its role here and play a part in helping the town's regeneration.

"We have a long association with the district and this move will allow us to go on improving our service to local readers and advertisers for many years to come."

The new office at 27 Kirkgate - premises formerly occupied by The Mill Shop - faces Shipley's Market Square and lies between Marshells newsagents and the Wilkinson store.

Reporters based at the district office cover an area including Shipley, Baildon, Saltaire and Frizinghall as well as Aireborough, Horsforth and the Wharfe Valley, between Pool and Addingham.

The Shipley office has three reporters, Ian Lewis, Alexandra Phillips and Robert Sutcliffe. Adele Dean and Pat Bentley share the job of receptionist. Their duties include dealing with advertising, photo sales, reader holidays, accounts and newsagents' inquiries.

The office will open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with people welcome to pop in and buy their T&A or pick up copies of our sister papers the Aire Valley Target and Bradford Star.

Mr Leslie said: "The T&A's an integral part of the local community and it's good to see its roots being put even further down into Shipley.

"I'm looking forward to seeing extra new facilities and equipment for reporters so that the news can be brought to local people with even greater efficiency than before.''

l The T&A's contact numbers at the new office will remain unchanged following the move. For editorial ring (01274) 580493 and for advertising inquiries call (01274) 585757. Our fax number remains (01274) 773388.