Children have been taught about different religions

Religious education advisors in the city are working hard to ensure the war in Iraq does not cause divisions in local classrooms.

It follows tensions among some Derby communities following the September 11 attacks and during the last Gulf conflict 12 years ago.

Since then, however, work has continued to try to integrate different religions in multi-cultural schools and in local community centres.

Now the city council, which has led the scheme, says it wants the work to be highlighted nationally - and is likely to recommend that to the National Conference of Advisory Councils on Religious Education due to take place in May.

Derby's mayor, Robin Turner, who is chairman of the local religious education advisory council, said staff are achieving a delicate balance between informing pupils and giving them freedom of expression about the conflict.