LONG-AWAITED new automatic doors at the Clarke Foley Centre were officially – and quite literally – opened on Saturday.

Ilkley Parish Council chairman, Councillor Brian Mann, performed the honours.

First through the new doors were Joan Wright, and director, Brian Whittam, who have both been involved with the Ilkley centre since it was established in 1981.

They were followed by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Joanne Dodds, and representatives of dozens of community groups and individuals that regularly use the centre.

The new automatic doors and associated building work cost more than £40,000.

This major sum has been raised through special activities, events, grants and donations. Donors included the Round Table, Ilkley Parish Council, Ilkley Carnival and many individuals.

Clarke Foley Centre chairman, William Varley said: “The new doors vastly improve accessibility, making the centre equally accessible to all members of the community.

"Access will also be easier for all of our 1,600 weekly visitors. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make the new automatic doors a reality."

Other recent improvements include a redecorated café and a new menu. The popular twice-weekly lunch club for people over 70 now has a fully home-cooked menu, too. And solar panels have been installed to reduce energy costs.

The next major project is to bring the disabled access toilet up to modern specifications.