A KEIGHLEY funeral company plans to expand its community and fundraising activities after a shake-up of its leadership.

Melia Powell Funeral Service founder Brian Langford’s first event following the changes will be a cabaret and dinner dance to raise money for Lourdes pilgrims.

After linking with the Funeral Partners family of funeral businesses he plans further events including Christmas carolling in Keighley and Bingley.

The cabaret, on October 19 from 7.30pm at the Rendezvous Hotel in Skipton, will offer a three-course meal, live cabaret and dancing, at a cost of £40 per head.

Proceeds will go to the Keighley-based Massabielle Group which takes sick and vulnerable people on holiday to Lourdes in France and the Skipton children’s cancer support group Petal.

Melia Powell boss Brian Langford said he had first gone on a pilgrimage to Lourdes with Holy Family School when he was 14.

He said: “I have never forgotten the joy of seeing sick people being given the chance to visit Lourdes and to be cared for and made to feel special.

“I have helped on other pilgrimages to Lourdes and now actively support the work of Sean Gilligan and Michael Devlin, my old school teachers, whenever I can.

“Their continued and sustained efforts to keep alive the annual tradition is highly valued amongst those who know the love and joy Lourdes has to offer.”

Brian established Melia Powell in 2013, and at the end of last year the company became part of Funeral Partners. He is now Business Principal, and a new Funeral Director, Dean Newton, has been appointed to work across Keighley, Skipton and Bradford.

Keighley-born Dean has 20 years’ experience in the industry, a British Institute of Embalmers qualification, and a local reputation.

Brian said Dean had trusted him to take care of his sister when she passed away at a young age.

Brian added: “I quickly saw a side to him that I believe every funeral director needs: an abundance of care.”

“My business has been born and bred in Keighley and it wouldn’t be possible without this town’s faith in us. The spirit of these events is to embrace and give back to the community, which we’ve provided affordable funeral care to since 2013.”

Email meliapowell.keighley@funeralpartners.co.uk or call 01535 280402 for cabaret tickets.