Veronica Burningham would like yoga to be part of all Keighley school timetables.

The Oakworth-based instructor has practised yoga for over 30 years and holds the British Wheel of Yoga Teachers' Diploma.

She taught the activity at Oakbank School for two terms and for a brief period at Keighley College's nursery and feels the benefits are worthwhile.

Veronica explains: "Children have more stress and pressure now and less physical activity. Children need to be taught to breathe properly and sit up straight.

"They are told to sit still and pay attention but not how to do this, so they don't learn as they fidget."

She feels yoga would increase a child's concentration. Moods can also be altered, she claims, recalling a Rochdale pupil she taught who said he no longer felt angry after a session.

Asthma and panic attacks are said to benefit from the right techniques.

Veronica says: "I would like to go in and teach teachers to do this in classes for ten-15 minutes a day - it could be fitted into the curriculum. Adults are aware of yoga's benefits but not how it helps children."

She is willing to go to schools for taster or introductory sessions and monitor whether there are of any benefit.

Anyone interested in introducing their school to yoga should contact Veronica on 01535 645196.

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