Modern versions of children's fairy tales are so sanitised that they stop youngsters learning valuable lessons about life, according to a local religious leader.

Mujeeb Rahman, general secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, said he was prompted to speak out after his daughter told him she had no idea what "The Three Little Pigs" story signified.

He said: "It is a shame most children meet fairy tales only in prettified and simplified versions which subdue their meaning and rob them of all deeper significance.

"Versions such as those in books, films and TV shows turn the tales into empty-minded entertainment.

"The original stories are richer in meaning and help set the child on the path to higher knowledge."

The chairman of a group which organises an annual children's writing competition said she agreed with Mr Rahman.

Lesley Horton, of the Airedale Writers' Circle, said: "I think we don't expect enough of children. The original stories can help them deal with the world and they enjoy them too. Some people think children are going to be terrified and have nightmares but I certainly never did. I assume most kids today don't either.

"If we are not careful we're going to end up with a nation of wimpish adults. Provided these stories are told in the security of a home or a school then I think we should be telling the original versions."

However, the Ilkley-based daughter of the famous children's author Enid Blyton said today's children did not always want to read the older, traditional fairy tales. Gillian Baverstock said televised characters such as Postman Pat and Bob the Builder were more accessible to children.

She said: "Modern books are so delightful -- full of colour and with very clear text. I was brought up on the older stories and they certainly didn't do me any harm. However, I find they don't appeal to my own grandchildren."

Mr Rahman, a father of two from Shann Park, Keighley, said a tale like the three little pigs contained levels of meaning which modern storytellers often ignored.

He said the wolf's destruction of the two younger pigs' flimsier dwellings showed the dangers of laziness and lack of planning.

"Both throw their shelters together as quickly and effortlessly as they can, so they can play for the rest of the day," he said.

"Children are enraptured when the huffing and puffing of the wolf at the pig's door is acted out for them. It ought to teach nursery-age children in a most enjoyable and dramatic form that we must not be lazy and take things easy, for if we do, we may perish."

He said most children had the resilience to understand that progress entailed sacrifice. "In talking to little children one encounters only rejoicing about the deserved punishment of the wolf and the clever victory of the oldest pig -- not grief over the fate of the two little ones," he said.