Bradford College is opening a base in Keighley that will teach the same subjects as Keighley College.

The new "learning centre" will cover hairdressing, beauty therapy and computing as well as providing university-level training.

Bradford bosses insist the centre will complement Keighley's tuition and increase demand rather than compete for students.

They deny the move is in response to Keighley College rejecting Bradford as a merger partner in favour of Park Lane College at Leeds.

Oakbank School this week publicly backed Bradford's plans and Parkside, Greenhead and Holy Family schools were negotiating a joint project.

Keighley College principal Chris Moore was this week shocked to learn of Bradford College's plans She said Bradford bosses should have talked with her to ensure their plans did not duplicate Keighley's existing educational provision.

But she added: "We have to welcome such opportunities for the Keighley community."

Bradford College revealed it had submitted a planning application to develop a learning centre "in the heart of Keighley".

Facilities will include a computing suite - run in partnership with IT training organisation Tektra - and a new hairdressing and beauty therapy centre.

Michele Sutton, Bradford College's principal, said the plan had been driven by talks with local schools and businesses that had unmet curriculum and training needs. She said: "People, communities and businesses within Keighley will have access to a wider choice of higher education and training opportunities.

"This can only help fuel the regeneration of Keighley, meet the skill needs of the area and benefit the local economy."

Chris Moore said Keighley College would soon be able to offer university-level training through its planned merger with Park Lane College.

She believed the recent expansion of the college's popular hairdressing and beauty therapy courses met the training needs of local employers.

Computer and IT training was provided by several establishments around the town including the college, schools, voluntary organisations and private companies.

Ms Moore added: "We have a very good relationship with the local schools and we see a continuing future that will go from strength to strength."

Oakbank School head Chris Thompson said the Three Valleys confederation, which included all Keighley upper schools, wanted to provide a full range of high-quality courses.

He said: "Bradford College's plans offer new and exciting opportunities for our students."

KADTAL, which trains apprentices in Keighley, said Bradford College's expansion would allow further partnerships to develop.