Seven people were arrested and a vehicle and cash seized during an anti-drugs day of action.

The operation was carried out in the Knowle Park area of Keighley following a massive community effort to weed-out the dealers.

Afterwards police paid tribute to the public for its help in targeting offenders.

Keighley Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) and partner organisations said they were delighted with the success of the operation, during which £1,700 in unpaid fines was also collected.

The venture followed months of work in the area by agencies, including Streets Ahead and Keighley Safer Communities, involving local youngsters.

Late last year Holycroft Primary School pupils delivered leaflets around the community raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and encouraging people to report any dealing they were aware of.

The children also carried out a survey among residents, asking about gang culture and what could be done to address it.

Sgt James Firth, of Keighley NPT, said the operation had gone very smoothly. He added: “Working with the intelligence we are receiving from members of the community, we have again had some positive results.

“These included the arrest of seven people, the seizure of a vehicle, 11 people dealt with for vehicle-related offences and the £1,700 recovered.”

Nigel Cawthorne, neighbourhood manager for Streets Ahead, said: “This is part of a wider initiative which started last October aimed at encouraging the local community to stand up against the drugs dealers, report them and ring Crimestoppers with any information they may have.

“The approach has involved local schoolchildren, their parents and community members and has increased calls giving information.

“I hope this operation gives the community more confidence to get involved and ring in. The number is 0800 555111 — it is not the police, it is free and you don’t have to give your name.”