Keighley historian Ian Dewhirst will speak at the launch of Cliffe Castle Museum's new gallery.

He will talk about some of the local history that has gone into the making of the Keighley Stories gallery.

Ian has also written the wording for the display cases in the two upstairs rooms making up the gallery.

Local people are welcome to go along to the opening of Keighley Stories on March 15 at 11am.

Invitations are being sent out to local groups and organisers want to see as many people as possible.

There will also be appearances throughout the day by the Pif-Paf's Fantastic Animal troupe.

Pif-Paf he said to be the world's finest -- and only -- exhibition of living specimens of extinct species.

The new gallery will showcase dozens of items and memorabilia from Keighley's past.

Ian's words reveal the stories behind the objects and put them into the context of the town's history.

Items include the world's first Airedale terrier, a two-headed sheep, a stuffed crocodile and the Hen Peck'd Husband's Wife Taming Cradle.

The gallery also showcases colourful historical characters such as Spud Mick and Bill 'o 't' Hoylus End.

Anyone who wishes to attend the launch is asked to contact Fran Levy at fran.levy@bradford.gov.uk.