Work has started on a major revamp of a Keighley youth centre.

Earlier this year the Parkwood Centre, in Parkwood Street, won a £452,000 grant from the Government's Youth Task Force to modernise the former school building.

Contractors will be installing a floodlit multi-use games area, a music studio, a cafe, an IT suite, a games station and an outdoor youth shelter.

There will also be a storage space for Duke of Edinburgh's Award equipment, refurbished toilets, a main hall and meeting rooms.

The grant includes two years' funding to help provide specialist programmes, such as music, dance and sport tutors, as well as cash for core staffing costs.

Councillor Michael Kelly, Bradford's executive member for services to children and young people, said: "This is great news for the young people of Keighley who will benefit from a refurbished and much-improved centre.

"When the work is completed Parkwood will boast a varied and interesting package of activities and events for young people to enjoy.

"The music and arts studio is particularly exciting and it will help to unlock hidden talents and boost skills.

"The centre also ties in with the district's b-someone campaign and its second strand which is all about encouraging young people to take responsibility for their own development and fulfil their potential."

Graham Walker, senior manager with the council's integrated youth support in Keighley, said: "The centre is used by groups from various parts of the Keighley area and is a neutral space where young people can make the most of a high-quality centre.

"We are all looking forward to making the most of the finished product."

Work is expected to take about 12 to 14 weeks and an opening celebration will be held in March or April next year.

In the meantime services and staff have been temporarily relocated to Keighley Connexions, Silsden Youth Centre and the Keighley campus of Leeds City College.