KEIGHLEY Quakers are celebrating a milestone.

They are marking 80 years at the Strawberry Street Meeting House, in Skipton Road.

The first meeting for worship – on September 27, 1936 – was attended by more than 70 people, including several dignitaries.

A speech was given about the early Quakers in Keighley and the difficulties they encountered in the 17th century, when they were regarded as radical dissenters.

When Quakerism arrived in Keighley in around 1653, meetings were held virtually in secret at people's homes.

But the Toleration Act of 1689 allowed freedom of worship and paved the way for the Quakers to have an official meeting house.

A property in Mill Street was bought in 1709, but was later demolished as part of the Westgate clearance.

"Keighley Quakers then moved to their new purpose-built premises on land – previously a Victorian garden – at the junction of Strawberry Street and Skipton Road," said a spokesman.

"The garden link continues to this day, as the Friends are very proud of their beautiful, award-winning garden."

The Keighley Friends are also marking Quaker Week, which starts on Saturday (Oct 1).

This year's theme is Inspired by Faith to Build a Better World and specially-commissioned posters will be on display at the meeting house and Keighley Library.