PACKS of arts and crafts materials have been distributed to more than 200 children across Keighley.

The move was the idea of Bradford Council’s heritage parks officer, Dan Palmer, who put together the packs using some funds set aside for Easter activities at Cliffe Castle – that had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Each pack contained a sketch book, a copy of a Cliffe Castle activity book, craft items and a small chocolate Easter egg.

Several Keighley organisations which work with vulnerable families and children organised the distribution.

Mr Palmer said: “I wanted to be able to do something to help the local children who would have been coming to Cliffe Castle for the Easter activities, but due to the coronavirus pandemic have to stay at home.

“I figured that as the kids couldn’t come to the park and museum for the event, then we could take the materials from the event to the children. I spoke to the Cliffe Castle Support Group – which we were working with on the event – and it kindly donated extra craft materials as well as the Easter egg prizes that were due to be given out.”

Elaine Cooper, from the support group, said it was delighted to help. “It must be so hard for children to make sense of what’s happening at the moment and coping with the changes,” she added.