HUNDREDS of schoolchildren from across Keighley have been learning how to keep safe.

Year six youngsters from 15 primary schools took part in the Stay Safe initiative at Keighley College.

A range of activities was held during four days, covering everything from staying away from power lines to looking after your health.

Agencies involved included British Transport Police, the school nurse team, Yorkshire Water, Northern Gas Networks, Northern Powergrid, the Dogs Trust, fire service and Bradford Council's road safety department.

"This was our fifth year at Keighley College and the event has just got bigger and better," said Dave Towers, of Keighley Work Safe, which heads the venture.

"This year, we had 670 children booked in – nearly twice the number from when we started.

"I'm really pleased with how things have gone.

"It isn't an easy event to organise, but we try to put a lot into it and the feedback we receive is very positive.

"We have had a lot of support from the council and we have managed to keep all our agency partners involved, at a time when cuts have led to many similar projects in other areas coming to an end.

"We're extremely grateful to everyone for their support and to the college for continuing to host the event."

Funding for the project is provided by Bradford Council Public Health.

Tim Jickells, for Keighley College, said the Bradford Road campus was delighted to provide a venue.

"The way the project has grown since we first hosted it clearly demonstrates the high regard in which the event is held," he added.

"Feedback has shown that schools find Keighley College an attractive venue for a project of this nature.

"The variety of scenario presentations and the behaviour of attending children convinced us of the value of the project in the locality, and we are determined that, if possible, we will continue to host it in future years."

A second event is planned at the Bradford Bulls rugby league stadium in October.

It will involve more than 1,500 children, including youngsters with special needs.

"This will be the first time we have extended the project in such a way and I'm extremely excited about it," added Mr Towers.