Politicians, community leaders and clergy gathered this week to express sympathy for the victims of the Pakistan earthquake.

The dozens of Keighley people from various races wanted to show their solidarity in the time of crisis.

Muslims and Christians were joined by police, town and district councillors, and representatives from the Polish and Ukrainian communities.

Following a series of speeches each person signed a Book of Condolence in the council chamber at Keighley town hall.

The gathering was organised at 24-hours notice by Keighley town councillor Graham Mitchell and Bradford councillor Khadim Hussain. Mr Hussain, who represents central Keighley, said the pair wanted to show the positive side of Keighley.

Keighley town mayor Tony Wright said a large number of people in Keighley had been intensely affected by the tragedy.

He said the earthquake had affected local Asian people in the same way as the Bradford City fire disaster affected the district's general population

Cllr Wright said he was "quite overwhelmed" with the support shown by people who attended the signing of the condolences. He said: "It's a disaster on the scale of the tsunami. We should dig deep."

The Rev Peter Mott, a leading member of Keighley Inter-faith Group, said local Christian churches were united with their Muslim brothers. He led prayers for the victims, injured and bereaved, those who lost their homes and livelihoods, and the rescue teams.

Ghulam Rabani, from the Sangat Community Centre, said he was grateful to the whole community for helping in a time of need.

Mark Taylor, from Ann Cryer's office, said the Keighley MP wanted to pass on condolences to the families affected.

She had asked international development minister Hilary Benn to come to Keighley to support local fundraising efforts. Mr Taylor said: "It's times like this that reinforce what a great town Keighley is, and how much we can achieve if we work together."