‘SOCIAL entrepreneurs’ in Keighley have been enlisted to help promote a major new grant scheme in the town.

Big Local has teamed up with social enterprise body UnLtd to offer up to £50,000 to people with ideas for businesses that will help their community.

The Socialights scheme will also provide such fledgling social enterprises with one-to-one advice, networking and training.

The aim is to create new jobs in the Big Local area, from Stockbridge to Ingrow. Bosses have highlighted Keighley entrepreneurs who prospered after receiving similar help.

One of them is Vicky Sutcliffe, whose outdoor learning company Out In The Aire received a Do It Award from UnLtd to fund activities for under-fives. She said: “I received mentoring from an Award Manager and can access various training courses.”

Phil Sheridan has run Huntun Tai Chi for the past two years. He said: “With encouragement from Keighley Big Local and seed funding from Unltd we are reaching more communities and a far wider geographical spread.”

Annie Berrington, who runs social enterprise Get Out More, was last year commissioned to provide Forest School and play activities to families in the Big Local area.

Big Local partnership member France Leigh Hadrysiak, who is spearheading the scheme, said: “We know Keighley people have great ideas and are full of community spirit.

“This is an opportunity for local people to get some support to help them making their enterprise ideas a reality. Whether it’s promoting a hobby or a cause close to their heart into a business, testing an idea or getting training to help along the way, Keighley Socialights will make the difference.”

Email admin@keighleybiglocal.org.uk or call 01535 607775 for it is of how to apply for Socialights grants.