More than 100 pupils from six schools are exploring little-known aspects of Keighley’s history.

The eight to 14-year-old youngsters are taking part in a project dubbed “Hidden Keighley”.

It is part of a Government initiative called Creative Partnerships, which uses innovative techniques to engage children.

Our Lady of Victories Primary School was initially one of only 26 schools nationally chosen to participate.

But its pupils have been joined by children from five other local schools — St Joseph’s, St Anne’s and Parkwood primary schools, Holy Family Catholic School and Braithwaite School.

The children are using new technology — including GPS devices and video equipment — as well as more traditional methods, to investigate neglected elements of Keighley’s past. Each school has chosen a different area to study and can draw upon a pool of adult expertise to help pupils formulate ideas.

These specialists include community artist Amy Hield, television producer Mark Waddington, new technologies artist Steve Manthorpe and Bradford Community broadcaster Mary Dawson.

The Holy Family students are looking into the story behind Cliffe Castle’s bandstand, while Parkwood Primary is focusing on the Brown Cow pub and its rumoured haunting.

The Braithwaite children are researching their own school’s history and St Anne’s Primary is exploring the Damside area of Keighley.

Our Lady of Victories pupils have constructed a life size model of a Victorian child mill worker and will find out what her life would have been like. St Joseph’s pupils are investigating the background to Keighley’s past and present cinemas.

Ms Hield said: “The children would really like to interview people willing to share their memories of Keighley.

“They are particularly keen to hear stories about the Cliffe Castle bandstand, Keighley’s cinemas, Braithwaite Open Air School, the Brown Cow pub, Springfield Mills and the Damside area.”

People who have pictures, artefacts or stories, or who would be interested in talking to a small group of the children, can contact Ms Hield on 07974 947968.

She added that the project would culminate in a treasure hunt around Keighley on June 28, when the children would use GPS devices.

On July 8 the pupils will have their work exhibited at Cliffe Castle Museum.