A new trade guru has been brought in to promote the Spen Valley. But just what has the area got to offer tourists and businesses? Reporter Kiran Patel investigates.

"WE HAVE scenery like the Dales - right on our doorstep."

Keith Joplin, vice-president of Spenborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce is already an ambassador for the area.

He is full of praise for the villages such as East Bierley, Birkenshaw, Hunsworth, Scholes and Hartshead which he says are great places to walk around on a nice summer's day.

And Gomersal-born Eric Johnson, 76, secretary of Supporting Spen-borough campaign who has spent most of his life in Spen, said: "I like the fact that we are virtually surrounded by greenery and the area is not excessively populated.''

So new trade co-ordinator David Adams, appointed by the chamber of trade to regenerate Spen under its Spen Valley Hearbeat Project, already has allies in his quest to bring in tourists and business.

And while Steve McGlynn, of the Spen Valley Civic Society is a little cynical, suggesting people living in Spen are more likely hop across to their more high-profile neighbour to do their shopping or for a night out, he does admit the area has excellent motorway links - ideal for bringing people IN to the area.

"I live just two minutes' drive from the M62 and it's 12 minutes to the M1,'' he said.

Steve also pointed to 70 per cent of Spen being green belt as one of its strengths. It means you don't have to walk very far for spectacular views.

So Mr Adams 51, already has more than the basics to work with and he is eager to get on with the job.

He hails from Newcastle, where he ran his own business consultancy firm, and is getting to know the area and its people as a priority.

David said: "As an outsider my first impression of the Spen Valley is that it is scenically very beautiful and has a variety of accommodation from top class hotels to excellent value for money boarding houses. But like many other regions in the UK industrial decline has led to derelict buildings and a general rundown appearance in certain areas.

"However, the traditional friendliness and hospitality of Yorkshire folk comes through and I believe this will be vital for developing the tourism potential of the Spen Valley, provided everybody works together.

"I am pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of staff when I walk into shops and shopkeepers taking the time to talk to you.''

So why should you visit Spen?

Take a trip to Spen Bottoms park near the town centre with its Grade II listed Victorian viaduct and the River Spen underneath, popular with anglers and noted for its reed beds which attract a variety of wildlife.

Princess Mary Athletics Stadium in Liversedge is used for major athletics competitions hosted by Spenborough Athletics Club -- one of the country's most successful running clubs. The 400-metre was recently given a £400,000 facelift. It is also this year's venue for the 48th Open Championships For Marching Bands, which has entries from all over Britain.

The Cleckheaton Folk Festival in July attracts hundreds of enthusiasts from all over the world. It has become one of the town's biggest event, as streets, pubs, churches and town hall come alive to the sound of merry music.

Gomersal's Red House Museum -- an 1830s period house -- was regularly visited by Haworth novelist Charlotte Bronte. It was the family home of her friend Mary Tayor. A new £130,000 state-of-the-art gallery exploring Bronte's links to the Spen Valley was recently opened in a historic barn there.

Oakwell Hall -- a magnificent Elizabethan manor house -- and the surrounding country park are a stone's throw away in Birstall. It is a popular site for walks and picnics.

Birstall was the birthplace of Dr Joseph Priestley, the 18th century scientist who discovered oxygen, and the home of Charlotte Bronte's friend Ellen Nussey, who is buried in the cemetery at St Peter's Church in the village.

Another Bronte connection is at the Saxon Harthead Parish Church -- Charlotte's father Patrick was a curate ther. The house he lived in at nearby Hightown is still there.

Gomersal Lodge, now a hotel, was built by Mary Taylor who lived there until her death in 1893. She is buried in the graveyard at St Mary's Church in the village.

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