KEIGHLEY Salvation Army majors Kenny and Alison Gardner are moving on after 15 years in the town.

The couple are to take up a similar role in Sheffield.

They will attend their final Songs of Praise service at the Keighley church, in High Street, on Sunday, at 2.30pm, before departing next month.

Alison said they were sorry to be leaving but that it was "time to move on".

"We go to Sheffield wiser and richer in spirit and experience because of our time here," she said.

"We've been blessed by amazing volunteers and wonderful people who have dropped into our centre.

"We are in the unique position of being a church where we put our faith into action, which has given us many opportunities to journey alongside people."

She added that although she and her husband were moving away, their sons – Devon and Sebastian – would always regard Keighley as home.

"The children have grown up, been educated and found work and partners here," said Alison.

"This is where the boys developed their great Yorkshire accents!"

Sunday's service will include music from Keighley Community Band, and two soloists will sing.

Tea and cakes will be served afterwards.

Chris Bown, development manager at the church, said: "Alison and Kenny hope many of the volunteers and people they have worked with over the past 15 years will come along to make the day an extra special one.

"It should be a very friendly, informal afternoon.

"The services have been very popular, with a regular attendance of over eighty."