RAIN rather than snow greeted Bracken Bank residents as they began Christmas celebrations at the estate’s Sue Belcher Centre.

But wet weather didn’t stop them enjoying the Crimbo Extravaganza organised by volunteers at the community centre on Bracken Bank Avenue.

Visitors of all turned out in force and were welcomed by SMJ Falconry and animals from Windle House Petting Farm.

Centre spokesman Nadine Peck said the llamas proved a popular attraction.

She said: “Also outdoors, the World War 1 and 2 Society provided an interesting display, which included personal insights through letters written by soldiers to loved ones at home.

“Jackie’s Café of Keighley was on hand to provide a choice of warming food and drinks, and there was an abundance of stalls displaying a variety of unusual and attractive items.

“These items were much in demand - one lady claimed she had done over half her Christmas shopping in less than an hour.”

The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley East councillor Doreen Lee, after she had been welcomed with a display of Tai Chi for Health by Phil and Helen of Huntan Tai Chi.

Nadine said the recent Crimbo Extravaganza was attended by many of the volunteers, councillors and organisations who had provided the centre with invaluable support in recent months as work progressed on refurbishing the much-used community centre.

She added: “They said they looking forward to attending the centre’s re-launch in the spring, when hopefully the refurbishment of the centre, both inside and out, will have been completed.

“The Management Committee would like to extend their thanks to everyone who helped to make the refurbishment such a success, and to remind the community that the centre is available for their use, and for hire at a very reasonable cost.”.