Children fear for their lives, feel threatened and are ashamed to live in Keighley according to a group of youngsters.

Their dread was revealed after a teacher overheard them talking during a lunch-time break at school.

Now, after a discussion, the class of children at St Andrew's School, Lustre Street, Keighley, have decided to tell of their terror in an unprompted call for peace in the town.

The class of children, aged ten and 11, from St Andrew's School, have written open letters and speeches and drawn posters in a bid to highlight their dismay.

But the youngsters have decided to remain anonymous, saying they are so much in fear of what they may face. They have even made masks streaming with tears to hide their indentities.

They prepared the speeches themselves -- focussing on the problems of violence, drug-gang warfare and murder, particularly in the Highfield area.

Teacher Shirley Davids explained: "Disturbed by the deaths of two young men from their community, the children of year six started to discuss this during lunch times.

"They then prepared speeches. The words are the children's own. I have merely given them the opportunity to have their voices heard.

"This has already empowered them, they are less afraid.

"Finding a voice and a platform from which to share their feelings had already been a revelation."

Mrs Davids said: "I want the people of Keighley to hear that these children are afraid.

"That they have been so worried they have brought their fear to school.

"But I also want people to see that the children are prepared to do something about it. They say they have put their trust in us as adults. It's up to us to keep them like this. They are the ones who can change things and we must support them."

One girl pupil wrote: "It's as if you can't walk the streets of Highfield to just go to the shops.

"I feel threatened and hurt. Everywhere I go people talk about it and I feel ashamed because I live in that area." Another echoed these sentiments and said: "This has effects on children in school. They copy the actions of those killers.

"They play games to do with killing each other."

The children shared these impassioned views with schools liaison officer PC David Brown.

He said: "I am really impressed with their efforts.

"They have been very articulate and mature in their approach and the results are excellent. It shows how much they are affected by the troubles and there is a lot of follow up work that we can do.

"I have passed on copies of their speeches to Det Chief Insp Roger Gasson and to Acting Chief Insp Trevor Gasson, and someone from the force will come in and talk to the children about what work is being done in their area."

The speeches have also been forwarded to MP Ann Cryer and Mrs Davids added: "The children are now in the process of thinking of ways to help themselves and their community. They need ideas and support.

"If anyone can offer good ideas the pupils would be keen to listen and discuss ways of improving their situation.

"If people wish to simply support them, this too would be most welcome."

Read their letters on p5