THE key role of Keighley's railway station was stressed by a senior Government transport minister who visited the town today.

Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin toured the main line and Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR) stations with the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Keighley, Kris Hopkins.

Mr McLoughlin was also taken to see Hard Ings Road, which is to be turned into a dual carriageway as part of a £1.4 billion package of improvements.

"I'm really proud that the Government has not only invested in road infrastructure but in rail infrastructure too," he said.

"The whole issue of transport infrastructure has risen up the political agenda and it's something we've got a good record on.

"We've announced the end of the pacer trains and whoever applies for the Northern Rail franchise will have to replace them with a new fleet

"Keighley has a lovely station and Network Rail will be carrying out upgrading work on the main ticket hall, which will help protect the station's heritage."

Other parliamentary candidates standing in Keighley are: Ros Brown (Green Party); Gareth Epps (Lib Dem); John Grogan (Lab) and Paul Latham (Ukip).