Environment minister Richard Benyon visited Keighley to see part of a pioneering £9 million project to restore some of the most iconic moorland in the UK.

He accompanied Yorkshire Water chief executive Richard Flint on a tour of Keighley Moor to see examples of the company’s work to capture rain water, prevent erosion and improve water quality for tens for thousands of homes.

Mr Benyon said: “I applaud the work that Yorkshire Water has been undertaking to tackle the problem of water pollution.

“Their excellent work on Keighley Moor averts the need for costly water treatment while restoring the moorland areas. I want to see every water company taking a similar approach which benefits the natural environment while saving customers money.” The minister visited three areas where work has begun to repair damaged moorland, including a previously eroded area which is now in a stable condition after being repaired with logs and heather bales.

Farming tenants and other land users also met the minister to highlight their part in the project.

The £9 million project by the company is being undertaken at a number of peatland sites across the region, including Keighley, which are in poor condition following two centuries of industrial pollution.

Andrew Walker, Yorkshire Water's catchment development leader, said: “Our company vision is about taking responsibility for the water environment for good and this groundbreaking project embodies this perfectly.”

For more information, visit yorkshirewater.com/ keighleymoor.