An immigration advice service and homework club has been saved following an appeal to Bradford Council for cash help - but its plans to expand have been scuppered.

Keighley's Bangladeshi Community Association has received £11,662 from City Hall's community grant coffers, less than a third the amount it was seeking.

The group wanted £29,000 to employ a full-time worker to advise people on immigration problems and for a programme to work with young people.

"We are disappointed with the amount. At least we can remain open but only with a part-time advice worker," said association chairman Shokot Ali.

"We had a full-time worker until two years ago when the Council started to cut back. We have received tremendous support from our management committee and MP Ann Cryer and we would also like to thank councillors Malcolm Slater and John Prestage for their continued support."

He said the centre - which has been open for 15 years - sees about 100 people through its doors a day and provides a focal point for the Bangladeshi community in Keighley. It is staffed on a part -time basis by advice worker Abdul Motin with other people helping as volunteers.

As well as providing immigration advice for members of the community, it also doubles as a meeting place for young people, said Mr Ali.

And the association has recently launched after-school study sessions to help youngsters with their homework.

The initiative provides young people with support, as well as access to computers which are equipped with up-to-date software packages.

Mr Ali said parents are encouraged to join their children during the sessions, which take place between 7pm and 9pm, Monday to Friday.

The association now plans to refurbish its headquarters in Kensington Street, Keighley, and members are in the process of applying to English Partnerships for funding.

If the bid is successful, the association will improve the building and provide access for disabled people.

A collection carried out by the association in aid of flood victims in Bangladesh has raised £560.

The Shurma Building is open for advice on Mondays and Tuesdays between 11am and 4pm and then from 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

l Keighley Community Transport was also successful in its appeal to Bradford Council. It received £16,000 to provide low-cost minibus transport for 200 community groups serving the elderly, children and disabled.

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