A NEW village could rise from the rubble and ruin left by the Kashmir earthquake if a Keighley project can raise enough funds to make the dream a reality.

People in the town are being urged to come together and raise the cash to adopt and re-build a village and school in northern Pakistan.

The Keighley Outreach in Pakistan project aims to bring the community together by adopting a specific area to help the survivors of the earthquake.

The project headed by Victoria Primary School, Radio Ramadan and the Sangat Centre seeks to establish a link with a community in the Balokot region, so the people of Keighley can get involved and see exactly where their money is going.

Kay Lindley, head teacher at Victoria Primary School, said: "I would like to get the whole of Keighley involved and make it a whole town effort.

"I am hoping people will want to come together and support this project. Anything we can do to get the community working together."

The idea to adopt a village came shortly after the earthquake struck. Initial fundraising went into the emergency disaster funds, but more long-term plans were needed.

Radio Ramadan and Victoria Primary School have already raised £62,000 towards the project -- but more money is needed for the project to get fully off the ground.

Mrs Lindley is determined to get people involved in a fundraising marathon that could last for up to two years. She said: "We want people to contact us at the school and let us know they want to be a part of it. Any group, any organisations, any individuals. Then we can establish a co-ordination committee.

"Everyone can be a part of this Keighley project."

The fundraising kicks off again on Tuesday, when Victoria Primary School is holding an 'Eid Spectacular'. Other fundraising ideas include monthly car boot sales at the school, recitals at the mosque, where school children raise money by doing readings for Friday worshippers and a £1 a month prize scheme with half of the money going to the appeal.

Once the area for the village is identified and adopted, building work can begin. Members of staff from schools in Keighley are also keen to train people in the adopted area up to become teachers, as many were lost in the earthquake.

A number of schools in the area have come forward to get involved, including Guard House Primary School, Greenhead High School, St Andrew's Church of England School, Eastwood Primary School and Parkwood Primary School.

Mrs Lindley has sent out an e-mail to try and recruit local businesses, councillors and schools and is keen to involve the shared church and other mosques in the area.

Radio Ramadan and the Sangat Centre are looking into establishing a permanent contact in the chosen area and it is hoped there will be regular updates on the village, with a board of photographs located in Keighley.

Mrs Lindley said: "If we have a specific project in mind and people can see the fruits of where their money is going, I am confident they will respond."

Anyone interested in getting involved in the project can contact Ms Kay Lindley at Victoria Primary School on 01535 210110 or e-mail on kay@klindley.fsbusiness.co.uk.