Festival to thank Shannon estate

There were a range of activities for children at the festival

A festival has been held on the estate where Shannon Matthews lived to thank residents who helped search for the schoolgirl when she went missing.

The Dewsbury Moor community was united during the 24-day police hunt after Shannon disappeared on 19 February.

Residents and children helped to distribute some 25,000 posters and organised a community march.

Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik said the Moor to Life festival symbolised what the community had to be proud of.

Communtiy groups held stalls at Saturday's event and and there were activities for children including a bouncy castle and face-painting.

We've got something to be proud of here despite all the difficulties and negative stories that have occurred MP Shahid Malik

Mr Malik said: "We've come through a very difficult period, and it's not quite over, but this is the community coming together and being positive about itself, which is something I don't think we do enough of.

"The last few months have been really difficult and so this is a breath of fresh air.

"We've got something to be proud of here, despite all the difficulties and negative stories that have occurred."

Community member Roger O'Doherty said: "Dewsbury Moor has suffered quite a cloud over it over the past few months and I think it's an area that does need cheering up and an opportunity to forget some of the pressures that have been coming from other events.

"I think most people within the vicinity of Dewsbury know Dewsbury Moor to be a welcoming and vibrant community."

Nine-year-old Shannon was found on 14 March in Batley Carr, less than a mile from her home on Moorside Road.

Her mother Karen Matthews, 32, is charged with her kidnap and false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice.

Michael Donovan, 40, also from Dewsbury, is also charged with kidnap and false imprisonment.

Both are remanded in custody until their trial, which is due to begin on 11 November.