The respect and interest of children in the Bradford district to learn about different religions and celebrate them was commended by organisers of an educational event which is touring the country.

About 120 children from 12 primary and secondary schools in the district attended the day-long conference yesterday.

The event, called ‘Belief in Bradford’, was held at Future House in Bolling Road, Bradford, and aimed to give pupils and teachers a platform to share their ideas and experiences about religion.

Lat Blaylock, religious education consultant for the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education, said: “We’ve found in Bradford in particular the pupils are interested to learn about the different religions. I have heard Muslim children saying they are open to hear more about Christianity and vice versa.

“The children in Bradford spot the diversity in the community and celebrate it, which is just so fantastic to see.”

Bradford was chosen by the conference organisers because of the Council’s recognition of the value of religious education to the community as a whole.

The young people spent the day mixing with other pupils and carrying out a range of activities designed to develop their creative and expressive talents and build community cohesion.

Pupils also had the chance to tell professionals how they think religious education, which is a statutory part of the school curriculum, can be made better.

Bingley Grammar School pupil Tom Burniston, 13, said: “It has been a really good day. I have learnt a lot. We have discussed our beliefs and looked at things like what we think happens after death. It has been great to meet pupils from other schools.”

Head of religious education at Bingley Grammar, Rachel Smith, said: “This is a really new thing. We haven’t been to anything like this before and I think it is fantastic. It is bringing children of different ages together to learn about each other’s beliefs and discover their own.

The schools involved also included Ben Rhydding Primary School, Bowling Park Primary School and Wibsey Primary School.

The Bradford Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education supported by The Interfaith Education Centre hosted the event.