Community and religious leaders are urging people to remain calm following the outbreak of war with Iraq.

Senior Muslim and Christian figures issued the peace plea this week in a bid to avert inter-community divisions.

And their appeal is backed by Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who has vociferously opposed military action.

Keighley has been recognised nationally for its work in bringing together people of all faiths and promoting harmony.

But there are fears that the Iraqi crisis could create friction.

The Rev Gordon Webb, chairman of Keighley Inter-faith Group and local Methodist superintendent minister, calls on everyone to behave with restraint.

He said: "It would be a great mistake to think of this war as a quarrel between Christians and Muslims. It is not. It is a conflict between governments, not between faiths.

"There are no grounds for hostility, still less violence, in our community. Instead, we all need to build on the ties of friendship and understanding, which have grown up here in recent years."

He added: "People of faith will no doubt want to pray. But all of us, whatever our views about the rights and wrongs of such a war, should show respect and act with goodwill towards our neighbours."

His comments are echoed by Khadim Hussain, manager of the Sangat Centre, in Keighley.

He said: "There are already very strong feelings on this issue and if we have a prolonged war those feelings will heighten, especially when we begin having casualties.

"But I would ask people of all faiths to remain calm.

"Every individual has a right to demonstrate peacefully and show their opposition to the war, but they must not act outside the law or behave provocatively."

Mohammed Saleem, chairman of the Ittehaad Community Association, said: "I would reiterate the plea for calm. I think it is very sad that war has begun.

"I feel that there was no immediate threat from Iraq and that the weapons inspectors should have been given more time."

Keighley MP Ann Cryer said there was a minority of racist "hotheads" in the town. However, most people wanted to live in peace and harmony. She said: "There are racists in Keighley - on both sides of the race divide - as in all towns, who will always look for reasons to vent their racism, but they are in a minority.

"I hope people will not take any notice of them. The vast majority of people in Keighley are not racist and want to seek to make no capital.

"I still regret that war is happening - I strongly opposed it six times in votes - and I still believe that more time should have been given. But I think the Prime Minister did all in his power to avert this situation.

Mrs Cryer added: "I am extremely sad, but you have got to look at things as they are and not as you hoped they might have been. It's difficult to explain how fraught things were in that Commons debate on Tuesday, but we are in a different ball game now and we have to put our differences behind us.

"I think things will get worse before they get better, but we have to remain united.

"I wholeheartedly support the calls for calm. Ignore any hotheads - they do not represent any majority in Keighley.

"I represent constituents who are out in the Gulf, and in many cases their mums and dads at home. My best wishes go to those families and I hope loved ones come home safe and sound."

Mrs Cryer said relatives of servicemen with any problems and wanting to raise anything with her should contact her office (01535 210083). "My office is at the beck and call of any constituents with personal problems because of the present situation," she said.

Meanwhile, security in council buildings across the district has been stepped up as a precautionary measure amid fears of a terrorist attack in Britain.

Ian Stewart, Bradford Council's chief executive, said: "We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this might cause to the public."