Keighley has a buoyant economy and a vibrant future.

That was the resounding message from a regeneration conference held in the town.

And delegates at the event, in Dalton Mills, agreed it was time to "talk up" Keighley.

Many residents wrongly saw the town as a failing one and had negative views about its economy, unemployment situation and crime levels, the conference heard.

Andy Taylor, of the Airedale Partnership, said there was clear evidence the town was performing well. He added that developments at Dalton Mills were an exciting example of the investment coming into Keighley.

Ian Bond, of Park Lane College Keighley, said it was time to raise aspirations in every field.

And his comments were echoed by David Moss, of Bradford Council's economic development unit, who said the key to future success were partnerships focussing on raising young people's skills.

Funding was available but businesses, training agencies and voluntary organisations must be organised to access the cash and develop the opportunities that would serve the town into the future, he added.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson - the council's portfolio holder for regeneration - said it was important that when businesses moved into the town and looked for skilled workers, young people had already been given the training opportunities to acquire those skills.

More than 40 people - representing all aspects of business, training and economic regeneration in the town - attended last Thursday's event, organised by Regeneration Keighley.

Michael Scarborough, a board member of the organisation, told us: "It was agreed that what was needed now was action not more talk and small discussion groups focussed on what those actions might be.

"It was felt there must be more effort to get young people directly involved in training and regeneration. Equally important was the need to work in partnerships that would deliver a strong economy and above all raise aspirations and make early improvements to the town's image and its perceptions of itself."

Pam Essler, chairman of Regeneration Keighley, thanked the speakers and delegates.

She said a lot of fresh investment was heading to the town, for example the new college and Asda superstore, and the conference had shown there was the enthusiasm and energy to create the partnerships to respond to this and deliver a bright future for Keighley.

A follow-up meeting has been arranged to develop an action plan.