People campaigning for a dementia ward to remain at Airedale Hospital collected 1,200 petition signatures in Keighley town centre on Saturday.

The names were gathered outside the market hall by members of Ward 24 Carers Action Group.

The Rev David Griffiths, chairman of the action group, said: “We had a great day in the sunshine collecting 1,200 signatures in three hours.

“People were very willing to sign. They told us stories of their gratitude for their loved ones being well cared for in Ward 24.

“We plan to take the petition to Ilkley, Skipton and Settle over the next few weeks.”

Bradford District Care Trust wants to move the ward to Lynfield Mount Hospital, Bradford. It argues that the new unit will provide higher quality care.

However, campaigners say the ward serves communities as far away as Ingleton.