A building society has opened a new branch in Ilkley as it continues an expansion plan.

The Yorkshire Building Society is planning to open 12 new branches in the next two years, following on from 16 agencies in the past year.

The branch, on Station Plaza, was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith. Staff handed out white Yorkshire roses and goodie bags, and people could enter a free prize draw to win dinner for two at the Box Tree restaurant.

“We’re proud to be opening new branches and agencies at a time when many financial institutions have been closing theirs,” said branch manager Paul Coates. “We are committed to retaining a strong presence on our high streets and in the local community surrounding our branches. “We are delighted to have opened a new office in Ilkley, offering local people a credible mutual alternative to the banks.”

Ilkley was the second town to see the opening of a new branch in the last fortnight, with a branch being opened in Pudsey the week before and a third due to open in Bingley this week.

The three new branch openings will take the total number of Yorkshire Group branches to 227, with 46 of those being located in the Yorkshire region, and will create 14 jobs.