Talks have been held between Keighley College and other colleges about a possible merger it was revealed today.

The news came as the college learned it would be branded "inadequate" by education watchdog Ofsted.

A troubleshooter will be drafted in to drive through improvements once inspection findings are published.

College bosses yesterday stressed that merger plans were at the earliest stage and other colleges had not been officially approached.

The most likely partners are understood to be Craven College in Skipton, Shipley College, and Calderdale College.

The inspectors' report, due to be published on May 12, is understood to brand aspects of the college "inadequate", the lowest of four grades.

College bosses yesterday admitted the report will present "significant challenges" that require fundamental changes and improvements.

Chairman of governors, Bradford councillor, Lynne Joyce said it would not be helpful to speculate about the Ofsted report before publication.

She said: "The report remains confidential and discussions continue between the college and Ofsted with regard to its content and grades.

"It does present the college with a number of significant challenges which will require a fundamental change in how further education is delivered in Keighley and district."

Ian Nichol, the college's interim vice-principal, yesterday admitted the college was seeking outside help.

He said: "The college is going out to tender for someone with the appropriate level of experience in both mergers and improvement strategies for colleges.

"He or she will provide support to the college's senior management team and governors. This person is not coming in to run the college."

Keighley College governors last week voted to investigate the possibility of a merger, with support from the Learning and Skills Council.

The college will request expressions of interest from potential partners - who could include both colleges and universities - then research the most appropriate options.

Coun Joyce said that for some time Keighley College had been in discussions with local colleges about working together, to save on administration costs.

She said: "It has now become clear the national and local picture for further education has changed. There are now opportunities to take such discussions a stage further and consider a merger with one or more local colleges.

"To move forward in partnership will offer better opportunities to students and ensure high-quality education and training is available."

When a college receives an "inadequate" classification it will get annual assessment visits from local Ofsted inspectors.

These are to monitor the college's progress before a full re-inspection after two years.