PEOPLE with information about Keighley's role in accommodating children fleeing from the Spanish Civil War have been asked to support a research project.

Sixth form student Heidi Bates, 17, is working with a charity as part of her extended project qualification (EPQ).

She said: "I'm researching the evacuation of Basque children to Yorkshire and, more specifically, to Keighley as it's local to where I live.

"I'm working alongside the Basque Children of '37 Association, and together we're establishing more information on Keighley's role during this period.

"We are particularly interested in the Devonshire Street Congregational Church, and their vicar, the Rev John Balmer, who was also chairman of the Yorkshire Joint Committee of Spanish Relief.

"I would like to see if there is anyone in the area who remembers this period, either from personal experiences or from what other family members have told them. Any information at all would be much appreciated."

Heidi added: "Previously, the Basque Children of '37 Association has done similar research into the role of Huddersfield.

"After placing an article in the local newspaper there, the association received a positive response and, alongside the local history society, they displayed an exhibition at the Tolson Museum."

The young evacuees brought to Keighley in 1937 were among a group of nearly 4,000 children evacuated from Bilbao in the Basque region of war-torn Spain.

Heidi lives in Halifax and is a student at North Halifax Grammar School.

Anyone who can help her with information on the Basque children can contact her via treasurer@basquechildren.org to pass on details.