Last week I had the great pleasure of being invited to be one of the openers of the newly refurbished Greenwoods Menswear shop in Low Street, Keighley. It aims to be the preferred high street retailer for men over 40 - which led to wisecracks back in the office about their fashions being too young for me.

While I was there I talked with some of the company's representatives from outside the immediate area. I found myself singing the praises of Keighley as a shopping centre.

I reeled off the list of household high street names - Greenwoods included - along with the names of other local long-established companies. Much to my surprise and delight they hadn't realised just what shops Keighley has on offer.

As many of these businesses advertise with us you would expect me to be supportive, wouldn't you? But it goes much deeper than that. When my mum and dad were alive they came to Keighley, from the Bradford end, because of what it has to offer, it is on the flat and everything is within easy walking distance. They loved the market.

It strikes me that as part of the vision for the future we need to shout much louder about the benefits of the town centre and support the companies like Greenwoods who have faith in the town. Wherever we go on holiday this summer let's sing the praises of Keighley and what it has to offer. Remember, thousands of people come here on their holidays.