WEST Yorkshire's Mayor is on a North America trade mission to drum up jobs and investment.

A delegation, led by Tracy Brabin, has touched down in Toronto and will travel to Boston, New York and Pennsylvania this week.

She will meet with leading Canadian and US business leaders to champion West Yorkshire as a top destination for jobs and growth.

Mayor Brabin said: "This trade mission is an exciting first for West Yorkshire - a chance to show the US and Canada what we're made of as we boost jobs, investment and opportunities for local people.

"We have so much going for us – bustling towns and glorious countryside, nationally celebrated cities of culture, and a work-life balance that makes our talented graduates want to stay in the region.

"As we continue to punch above our weight with an economy that’s bigger than several EU nations, now is the time to declare West Yorkshire open for business as we build a stronger, brighter economy that works for all."

Mandy Ridyard, business advisor to the Mayor, added: "West Yorkshire is the ideal place to start and scale a business thanks to our innovative universities, our vibrant cultural offer, and our supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships."