Religious leaders in Keighley were joined by the Bishop of Bradford and a leading Pakistani scholar to discuss the escalating international terror situation.

Representatives from the Muslim and Christian faiths, including Reverends Peter Mott and Gordon Webb, were meeting at the Sangat Centre's Cater House last night.

The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David James, was joined by Dr Sajid-ur-Rehman, a renowned international scholar from Islamabad.

Khadim Hussain, manager of the Sangat Centre arranged the meeting.

He said: "We are organising a meeting between the Christian and Muslim leaders in light of what is happening internationally.

"We are hitting the headlines with the Muslim suspects and the war on terrorism.

"It is perceived as being Muslim terrorists."

But he felt it was wrong to label the terrorists as Muslim terrorists.

He added: "The religion does not encourage any act of terrorism, and denounces it quite categorically.

"It is a negative message coming out, so we are trying to bring these leaders together.

"This is an excellent opportunity for Keighley to send out a friendly and positive message to live in peace and harmony."