LOCAL MPs have welcomed the news Bradford has been named City of Culture 2025.

The district beat off competition from County Durham, Wrexham, and Southampton to take the coveted title.

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Keighley and Ilkley. I have been lobbying hard on this, and have met with the Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries countless times to promote our bid, and today’s result is testament to all the hard work.

"It is no surprise to see our area selected, for Keighley and Ilkley is home to some of Yorkshire’s finest tourist attractions. This includes the Bronte Parsonage Museum, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and Ilkley Toy Museum, who all stand to play a huge role in the District of Culture celebrations. Credit must also go to groups like Keighley Creative and the Keighley Art and Film Festival, who have played a key role in securing this status.

"Past districts of culture have seen millions of pounds of investment and hundreds of jobs created, and I will work hard to ensure this is replicated across Keighley and Ilkley.”

Shipley MP Philip Davis, whose constituency includes Burley-in-Wharfedale and Menston, also welcomed the announcement Bradford has been named City of Culture 2025.

Mr Davies said: “I am delighted Bradford has been named the City of Culture. It is something I have been lobbying Government hard for, over many months since the bid was first submitted. I am extremely grateful to the Secretary of State at DCMS, Nadine Dorries, who always gave a sympathetic hearing to why Bradford should win this accolade.

“I know many of my constituents were concerned that Bradford Council spent so much money on this bid at a time when many services - such as children's services - are in a such shocking state, and I understand that concern. However, once that money had been committed to the bid, it was important that Bradford won. That is why I have lobbied so hard for this.

“Across our district we have a lot to offer culturally, and I hope being named as City of Culture will give confidence and pride across the district and bring economic benefit with new investment, new jobs being created and an influx of visitors to the area – in turn creating an economic boost for the district.

"I want to particularly congratulate the bid team - led by Shanaz Gulzar and Richard Shaw. They did a brilliant job and this success belongs first and foremost to them.”

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries announced the winner live on BBC 1’s The One Show following independent advice from a panel of experts led by TV-writer and producer Sir Phil Redmond.

All four areas were visited ahead of a decision being made., including a visit to Salts Mill in Mr Davies’ constituency.