Two friends won the hearts of pub bosses with the tale of their companionship.

Mary Keighley, of Oak Avenue, Burley, and Mary Love of Trafalgar Road, Menston scooped first prize in a competition run by the Hare and Hounds pub, Bradford Road, Menston, to find the two closest friends in the Wharfe area.

Miss Keighley told of her special friendship with Mrs Love which has blossomed since the death of her sister Margaret in June last year.

Margaret Keighley had worked with Mrs Love for many years at Ilkley Town Hall.

Since her death the two Marys have kept in touch.

Mrs Love visits Miss Keighley every week and they have tea and go out together shopping.

"Mary was my sister's friend for more than 50 years and when she became ill Mary and I met. We have stayed in touch ever since and she is a really good friend," said 70-year-old Miss Keighley.

"Her friendship means a lot to me and when I saw the competition I decided to enter. I was very surprised when we won though, I really didn't expect it."

In her letter Miss Keighley wrote: "Mary has always been ready to help me. My sister became ill and spent long periods in hospital and Mary was always by my side. When my sister died Mary was there to comfort me."

When the judges received her entry into the competition and read about the companionship between the two women they didn't hesitate to award them the title of the areas two closest friends.

They were given luncheon vouchers to spend at the Hare and Hounds pub, which reopened this week after undergoing a £80,000 refurbishment .

Manager Anne Firth launch the competition to promote the Two for One deals at the pub.

"Friends are important and I thought it would be lovely to find two best friends from the local area and give them a great meal on the house," she said.

"We received so many lovely letters and it really does show how important it is to hold on to you fiends."