Ukrainians in Keighley this week celebrated their nation's seventh year of independence in traditional style.

On Monday 85 Ukrainians flocked to their centre in Mayfield Road, Keighley, to rejoice in festivities marking the occasion.

A concert was held after president Peter Szczur opened the celebrations and welcomed everyone who came. The Duma choir, under the direction of Stepan Zamul-inski, sang Ukrainian songs. Mrs Hodowaniuk and Michael Krajnyk performed recitals during the concert.

Mr Jaworski and Stefan Szczur both read a brief history of Ukraine's new-found independence. Stefan Pryimuk and John Ratycz read out greetings in English and Ukrainian from the country's ambassador in London. Nick Lajszczuk read out a blessing from Father Leo Goldade from the papal office in Rome.

A formal greeting by the new parish priest, Father Leszczuk, concluded the first part of the celebrations.

A buffet followed at which Keighley News editor Malcolm Hoddy and Desmond Jackson conveyed their congratulations to the community.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.