Community leaders are calling for support for teachers to help prevent the radicalisation of young Muslims.

The calls follow a speech earlier this week by European Commission vice-president Franco Frattini on the need for teachers to steer young Muslims away from extremism, and the launch yesterday of the government's Commission on Integration and Cohesion.

Ian Murch, the National Union of Teachers' Bradford secretary, said action was already being taken to address religious extremism, but suggested a conference in the city, dedicated to the topic, would be a "good idea".

He said: "I think people in towns like Bradford and Halifax do have a responsibility to look at how children and young people become radicalised. It would be a good idea for Bradford to organise a conference to look at this. But work is already being done in this area."

Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq said teachers from all communities and institutions needed to look out for extremism.

"Teachers and members of society need to do more to engage with these young people," he said.

"I think we do need to have some form of conference with a view to looking at what role local authorities can play."

Bary Malik, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Bradford, said Mr Frattini had made "a valid statement," but added: "I think to help do this it is important to encourage integration within schools. That is the most important thing.

"How many schools in Bradford have children from different backgrounds and faiths? It is important the local authorities look into this. Every school should have a mix of children from different backgrounds.

"It is pupils' and parents' moral duty to listen to what teachers are saying." Keighley MP Ann Cryer said she felt it would be difficult for teachers.

"If a teacher tried to get involved they would be in big trouble," she said.

"It is difficult for anyone other than Mosques, Imams and Muslim leaders to get involved. I would not want any teacher in that situation."

A DfES spokesman said: "Britain is a multi-cultural society and education has an important role in ensuring young people are equipped to take full advantage of all that culture offers.

"We need to embed greater understanding of our values and what our society expects."

A national review looking at whether British cultural and social history should be compulsory in secondary schools started in May.