A PIONEERING children's safety initiative has been formally launched.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Abid Hussain, helped 'unveil' the scheme at Braithwaite and Guard House Gala on Saturday.

Three schools are taking part in the Children's Year of Safety, which has the support of a wide range of organisations and agencies.

Our Lady of Victories, Merlin Top and Laycock schools are all involved in the campaign.

Each term during the academic year they will cover different topics around safeguarding and safety.

It is hoped that if the scheme is a success, it will be rolled out to other parts of Keighley and the wider Bradford district.

Cllr Hussain said at the gala, at Merlin Top Primary Academy, that the venture aimed to involve all parts of the community and he was proud to support it.

"When we work together we can give our children every chance to thrive and fulfil their potential – which is what every one of them deserves," he said.

"The Children's Year of Safety is a new idea and I am delighted that we in Keighley are leading the way on such an important piece of work.

"There's an old saying, 'it takes a whole village to raise a child'. It may be an old saying, but it's as true now as it ever was and it means we are all responsible for keeping our children safe.

"The Children's Year of Safety will make it clear what that actually means for everyone."

The gala – staged by the Braithwaite and Guard House Partnership, which brings together a host of organisations and agencies – has been hailed a success.

Hundreds of people attended.

Attractions included a fancy dress contest, cave bus, bouncy castle, games, team sports, face painting, under-fives messy play, crafts, food and stalls.

The police and fire service were there, Keighley Healthy Living was represented and White Rose Energy distributed information.

A partnership spokesman said: "This was the second Braithwaite and Guard House Gala following its successful revival last year, and it was a great day.

"The weather was kind to us and there was a really good turnout. We were very pleased with the response.

"We would like to thank all those who came together to help with the event and support it."