ONE million people -- that's well over the entire population of Leeds -- came Christmas shopping in Keighley.

The magic seven figure tally was passed for the first time ever in the history of Keighley's Airedale Shopping Centre.

Special "footfall" counters registered the massive tally of shoppers who passed through the centre's doors in December.

As the figure was confirmed centre manager Chris Gribben said: "A success for the centre is a success for the town as a whole.

"Keighley plays an important role in the region and has done well compared to other centres, showing that we can compete with the rest."

He explained that although shoppers leaving the centre were also counted, that figure was not included in the million.

Although trade got off to a slow start in November, it soon improved, with shoppers flocking to the centre's stores to purchase Christmas presents and pick up bargains in the sales.

Mr Gribben said he thought the increased volume of shoppers was due to a loyal customer base, including shoppers from outside the town, and Keighley's accessibility, further improved by the redevelopment of the bus station.

Marks & Spencer didn't see an increase in shoppers until the middle of December, experiencing poor attendance for the first late night and Sunday opening of the store.

Line manager Angela Rhodes said: "We've done fantastically well and we've been so busy.

"Our food section wasn't expected to do so well, but it has still beaten estimates. The sales have been busy because we've got lots of good reductions."

The last four days before Christmas Day and the sales period have been the busiest times for WH Smith.

Store manager Nigel Fenn said that the increase in shoppers came later than usual, a trend noticed in recent years.

Modern entertainment such as computer games and DVDs did not dent the sales in books and they were still the top sellers.

Councillor Andrew Mallinson, chairman of Keighley Town Centre Management group, said the town centre remained attractive to shoppers due to a combination of new and old buildings and continued improvement of the area, such as better access for wheelchair users.

He said: "The shopping centre has a safe environment with a wide range of retailers, and people like the fact that it is indoors.

"I think that it is an accolade for Keighley that so many people are coming and shopping here."

Keighley Market also experienced a boom in trade, with shoppers enjoying the festive feel with the crib and tree.

The market's pet store saw a steady rise in customers.

Owner Nicky Nutton said: "The market has done really well. It's had a nice atmosphere with the usual bargains.

"We offer a good range of services in the market, give value for money and quality of products."

Town-centre manager Sandra Parnham said Keighley's friendly atmosphere and good mix of shops, with cafes and hairdressers, were some of the reasons the town was so popular with shoppers.

Opinion page 8