Keighley firms are rallying to support this year's Keighley Gala and ensure more proceeds go to local charities.

Leading the pack is Keighley business Harrison and Clough which is sponsoring the gala to the tune of £2,000 to mark its centenary year. The firm, which supplies builders and engineers merchants, is based in Aireworth Road at Stockbridge.

Worth Communications is providing free mobile phones for gala marshals and Willis Walker Sports is donating trophies for a five-a-side contest.

Keighley Town Centre Management Group is funding a brass band performance in the town hall square.

Gala chairman Brian Hudson says sponsorship will ensure the June 5 event is a success.

Former Keighley man Geoffrey Reeday, pictured, donated £1,000 in 1995 when the gala faced the prospect of having no money for charities. Mr Reeday, a former president and long-time gala supporter, left a £15,000 legacy last year to en-sure the survival of the event.

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