KEIGHLEY pubs are leading the way in helping customers stay connected while having a tipple.

More than 50 pubs and clubs across Keighley and surrounding villages are offering Wi-Fi to drinkers so they can work, browse the Internet keep in touch on social media.

Wi-Fi is proving particularly popular with members of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who are publicising the 21st century service in the new app version of their long-established Good Beer Guide.

The app features a host of information about more than 40,000 pubs across the UK, updated regularly by local CAMRA members, including those from the Keighley and Craven branch.

App users can search for local pubs based on their individual preferences, with filters include a cosy fireplace, free wifi, dog friendly or selling real cider on tap.

They can also connect with friends using a social feed to share pictures and comments about the pubs they are visiting.

The app this week confirmed that West Yorkshire has 746 pubs with Wi-Fi, more than any in the UK.

Denny Cornell Howarth a spokesman for the local CAMRA branch, said that in Keighley and close surrounding areas there were 56 pubs and clubs selling real ale and offering Wi-Fi facilities.

These include the Boltmakers Arms, Brown Cow, Wetherspoons Livery Rooms and Lord Rodney in central Keighley; Oakworth Social Club; the Airedale Heifer in Sandbeds; and the Punch Bowl in Silsden.

Denny, who writes the Keighley News's monthly Down The Pub column, said: “CAMRA members locally use these Wi-Fi facilities all the time, to update the pub information on our national site WhatPub.com, which serves as the basis of the Good Beer Guide and app.

“They also carry out regular surveys on beer quality and pub facilities which allow us to judge which are the best pubs and clubs in the area to be put forward.

“We visit all our potential guide pubs more than once to ensure quality is consistent throughout the year and our information is as up to date as possible.

“We also use the facilities to log into our social media sites in order to tweet a new beer, or advertise a function occurring in the pub, and to encourage more people to attend and support their local hostelries.”

The Good Beer Guide is the UK's best-selling beer and pub guide. The app is available from the App Store and Google Play. Extra functions are available for subscription, which ranges from 99p per month to £4.99 per year.