Trailblazer Malcolm Hanson is calling on Bradford district schools to join his campaign to develop linked history walks and help reveal the district’s cultural diversity and heritage.

Over the last seven years Mr Hanson has produced at least 30 heritage trails with schools in Bradford and Keighley.

Now he aims to create larger supertrails forming an internet-linked series connecting the district’s fascinating history by 2014.

He believes it will reveal the rich diversity of the districts and help a new sense of community cohesion.

It could be used in the same way as Bradford’s suggested cycle routes which have been recently mapped by Bradford Council and which are available at tourist information centres, libraries and sports centres.

“I’m writing to all Bradford district schools to invite them to get involved, and already have some backing from Education Bradford to work with Peel Park Primary in Bradford,” said Mr Hanson, of Skipton.

He is also working with pupils at Parkwood School, Keighley, on developing a super trail, and at Long Lee School, Keighley.

“I’m really excited about the prospect, especially about using the internet. It makes the trails much more versatile and accessible.

“I’ve already produced a prototype at Newby Primary School in West Bowling where the trail has been put on their internet site. We unearthed some fascinating stuff.

“We’ve discovered that West Bowling-born Hollywood actress Pat Paterson, who married the heart-throb French actor Charles Boyer, went to school there.

“Another ex-pupil is Shakespearian actor Edward Petherbridge. We’ve been in touch with him and he is very enthusiastic about the project.”

Newby School headteacher, Michael Latham said: “There are many advantages to heritage trails in such a culturally and architecturally-rich city as Bradford.

“Children and their parents find it fascinating that their small area has generated so many famous, nationally-recognised people, and what they thought were simple buildings turn out to be early schools, churches and tradesman’s houses, as well as the home of great events and community tales.”

Schools interested can contact Mr Hanson on 07932982232.