Three Asian men have been chosen as the Conservative candidates in Keighley Central for this year's Bradford Council elections.

Amrin Ali, Javaid Akhtar and Arshed Majeed have been selected by the Tories in what is expected to be one the most hotly-contested wards in the district.

Mr Ali, 25, works in the retail industry and has lived in Keighley all his life.

He said: "I am honoured to be standing for Keighley Central Ward in the forthcoming election in June, and when elected will work towards encouraging everyone in one direction and for all residents to work positively and invest back into society."

Mr Akhtar represents Keighley Town Council in the Showfield and Lawkholme Ward.

He has a degree in accountancy and is vice-chairman of the town council's finance committee.

The father-of-four said: "As all my children go to local schools, I am pleased to see the investment that the council has put into education."

Mr Majeed, who works in the National Health Service, has lived in the ward all his life.

"When elected in June, I look forward to working with the other councillors of all parties for the betterment of Keighley," he said.

Cllr Glen Miller, deputy political chairman for Keighley and Ilkley Conservative Association, said the party had chosen three excellent candidates.

He said: "They are all keen to represent everybody -- no specific individuals or groups.

"It is very commendable for Amrin to say he would encourage everyone in one direction.

"It is going to be an interesting election."

All three seats in every ward are up for grabs in June's elections, following the review of the district's boundaries.

Keighley's three wards have all be changed and renamed.

In Keighley Central, Liberal Democrat Kaneez Akthar is bidding to become the first Asian woman to sit on Bradford Council.