Hundreds of townsfolk are being urged to join Keighley Town Council on the bandwagon and voice their opposition to racism.

More than 1,400 black and white wristbands were delivered to the council this week and were instantly being handed out to people across the town.

The current fad, particularly among children and celebrities, was started by cyclist Lance Armstrong, with his yellow bands, sold to raise money for his cancer charity.

Last month the town council agreed to spend £1,000 to buy the half-black, half-white bands -- emblazoned with the slogan KTC Against Racism -- at the request of Cllr Glen Miller.

He said: "Direct and indirect racial discrimination is still widely prevalent in society today and Keighley's diverse population makes it an obvious target for those who seek to prey on these differences.

"Sadly, there are also political parties that will exploit these differences for electoral gain and present a viewpoint that only serves to widen this divide. Myself and Keighley Town Council are not prepared to stand by and watch our town become a football in this sort of contest.

"The bands we are launching today will send a clear message to those who seek to divide communities that in Keighley it will not happen."

He was joined at the launch by Town Mayor Cllr Allan Rhodes and Cllr Shabir Ahmed. Councillors are being particularly urged to give them out at schools.

The first person to receive the limited edition band was nine-year-old Lauren Peters, on half-term break from Oakworth Primary School.

Her grandmother Gail Bennett said: "I think it's a brilliant idea. We should live in harmony with each other."

Those who do not receive a band can contact the town council on 01535 618252.