Leeds-Bradford Airport is a major hub for business and leisure flights and we are lucky to have it right in the heart of our district.

One common item of discussion in relation to the Yeadon airport, though, is its accessibility.

Although it is close to the main cities of Bradford and Leeds from which it derives its name, it is perhaps not the easiest place to get to for those who do not choose to travel by car.

That aspect of the airport’s day-to-day business has now been recognised by Government transport minister Robert Goodwill, who made a visit to the airport and took a look at its operations.

He accepted there was an issue with passengers getting to the airport, though he was unable to put any sort of timescale or definite details on the possibility of a rail link which would make getting to and from the hub so much easier for so many people.

However, the recognition of the problem is at least a small step towards finding a solution for it.

What is needed now is some kind of pushing ahead of definite proposals which will outline just how any rail link will work.

Which towns and cities will be connected to it? Where would the lines run? How often will services run – and will they run late at night, when other public transport options are more limited?

It is to be hoped that following Mr Goodwill’s visit the business leaders, MPs and representatives of local councils can get their heads together to put the plan into action.

Kindness gave a decade of life to Carmen

When a Rawdon congregation gave up their entire church funds to save the life of a teenager their actions were described as “a miracle” by the girl’s father.

Members of the New Life Community Church had no hesitation in giving £37,000 to enable Carmen Cordeiro to have the life-saving liver transplant she so urgently needed.

The money was to have been used to buy a new home for the church – but instead it gave a decade of life to a complete stranger.

Carmen, who underwent surgery in Leeds, was able to return home to South Africa with her family, where she enjoyed ten good years – building a career, falling in love, marrying and having a child.

Now, sadly, she has died – and her loss is felt not only by her family and friends in South Africa but by the people of Rawdon, who took her into their hearts.

Rob Fry, who was pastor of the New Life Church, described how congregation members gained so much from their act of kindness.

“On one hand we were trying to do something for others, but just being part of this family’s story certainly brought so much love, joy and faithfulness as well as grit and determination into our own lives. We got to know this family and love them as our own,” he said.

For the last ten years they have shared the joy of Carmen’s family as she has forged a happy life. Now they share their grief.