This year's Keighley Children's Festival kicked off last Friday with activities for the under fives.

Face painting, Scallywags Play Gym and Mr Trix - with his puppets and balloon modelling - were in Town Hall Square, and Manjy the Clown was in the Airedale Shopping Centre with a magic and entertainment show.

A packed programme of free fun and entertainment is planned on Fridays and Saturdays over the next few weeks as part of the Children's Festival, now in its fourth year.

The venture is organised by Keighley Town Centre Management (TCM).

Today there will be face painting, Billy Bubbles, Professor Crump and Trumble the Clown, and - in the Keighley College main hall, at 11am and 1.30pm - a Wacky Crafty workshop.

In the Airedale Centre there will also be face painting, a badge making workshop and Charlie Chaplin look-alike Calvero. Shoppers tomorrow will be treated to the Fairly Famous Family, Louby Lou the clown with puppet, high-pole juggler Jukalo, Ward Allen's magic show, and face painting.

For further information about the activities, and other forthcoming Children's Festival events, phone the TCM office on 01535 618085 or call at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall.

Picture: Mr Trix meets youngsters in Keighley Town Hall Square at the start of Keighley Children's Festival. From left are Dylan McLarnon, Alex Howarth and Anna Morris