Two new initiatives aim to make Keighley town centre a safer place by day and night.

Town centre bosses hope to win a Safer Shopping Award allowing them to join a national crime-busting network.

And a Help Point will be installed allowing people in danger to talk directly to operators of the town's CCTV camera network.

CCTV chiefs are working with Keighley police to identify the best site for the town centre's first Help Point.

When the button is pressed, a nearby camera will swing around to focus on the person needing help, and staff will be available 24 hours a day.

Town centre manager Sandra Parnham and CCTV manager Trevor Green were impressed when they first saw Help Points in operation in Doncaster.

Sandra says: "As well as being a lifeline for anyone in fear, or a victim of crime, they can be used for more general help."

Help Points are being introduced across Bradford district as part of the council's crime reduction strategy, and others will be provided in Keighley in the future.

The Safer Shopping Award was unveiled at a recent seminar in York attended by Mrs Parnham and Keighley police sergeant Allan Gee.

All towns and cities were encouraged to apply for the award, which is only given to places that have a co-ordinated anti-crime partnership.

Success allows each town access to regional and national information about criminals who target shops.

Businesses, the police, council and other agencies in Keighley already work closely on several crime-fighting strategies throughout the town.