A new showpiece mosque is set to be built in the heart of Keighley.

The striking development will be on the site of the existing Jamia mosque in Emily Street.

The present building - which has served the local community for more than 20 years - will be dramatically redesigned and extended.

The project is expected to cost over £500,000 which will be raised within the community. Plans are due to be submitted to Bradford Council today.

Behind the scheme is Keighley Muslim Association, which says the new-look building will provide desperately-needed extra space. There will also be facilities for women, who are unable to use the current premises, and for the disabled.

Other features will include a mortuary area and provision for funeral services, which currently have to be conducted in the car park.

The association's press secretary Javed Bashir said the project would help put Keighley on the map. He added: "We desperately need these bigger premises. At present we can accommodate about 800 but at busy times - such as Friday prayers and during Ramadan -- there are problems. We have people praying in corridors and on the stairs.

"Our intention is to reshape the mosque and extend into the car park. It will greatly improve facilities and mean we can welcome women.

"The new building will be very attractive and will enhance that area of the town. The Council is spending a lot of money on Lawkholme and this scheme will complement that.

"Keighley is well known for its strong and dedicated Muslim community and I am confident the necessary funding can be raised by businesses and individuals.''

The new mosque has been designed by Gelder and Kitchen, of Devonshire Street, Keighley.

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