A KEIGHLEY youth organisation is bringing festive cheer to youngsters facing Christmas in hospital.

Members of the Keighley Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) visited the children's ward at Airedale to deliver toys, chocolates and cards.

The items were donated by the town's Ahmadiyya community.

"As part of the teachings of Islam AMYA believes it is essential to impart to children from an early age the essence of compassion and humility for all in society," said a spokesman.

"At a time of festivities it can be very lonely to be in hospital, especially as a young child.

"Therefore we believe it is a vital part of young people's development to feel the pain and anxiety of others and attempt in some small way to sympathise with them.

"Some parents were brought to tears by the affectionate gifts given to their children."

Faheem Rahman, youth leader for the Keighley branch, said it was important to reach out to the community.

"As a youth association we try to educate young people that we have a social responsibility to help our communities – especially those challenged by illness," he added.

"We do this by reaching out and offering our smiles and assistance under the guidance of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community."

During the floods that hit the Keighley district earlier this month, AMYA members offered assistance to residents.

Letters were distributed to more than 50 households at risk in the Beechcliffe, Silsden and Steeton areas, volunteering help if needed.

And Keighley man Dr Aziz Ahmad Hafiz, director of Disaster Relief for Humanity First and president of the town's Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, joined with about 60 AMYA members from across the region to help with flood relief efforts at Cockermouth in Cumbria.

He said: "I was hugely impressed by the spirit of service and dedication of the volunteers from Christ Church in Cockermouth, which served as the local flood support centre.

"Our teams were fortunate to work alongside many other organisations and were involved in various clear-up works."

Mr Rahman said that fortunately most homes locally had avoided major flood damage.

"It's at times like this that one sees communities come together for the greater good to assist wherever there is a need – be that in Cumbria or on our own doorstep," he added.

"It's what makes our nation so strong."