Journalists from across the country have been invited to Bradford by a lobbying group which wants to improve the city’s national and international reputation.

Bradford Breakthrough last week hosted a group of representatives from media organisations at the start of Bradford International Film Festival, and has now planned another two events to showcase the city’s assets in May and June.

Colin Philpott, chief executive of the organisation, which has 26 members including Bradford Council, said the first visit had already prompted a number of “positive” news stories about the city.

“The event was low-key and informal, but we wanted to say to them, ‘Bradford’s an interesting place with a lot of stuff going on’.

“The aim is to build people’s interest in Bradford and a more positive reputation for the city.

“This doesn’t mean there will never be any negative coverage about Bradford, some things happen that lead to that. But this means we can show those who may have some negative preconceptions about Bradford that they should rethink them.”

Bradford Breakthrough announced its plan to boost tourism and investment in the district through a series of visits during Bradford City’s Capital One Cup run, when the city was under the international media spotlight.

Invitations to the group’s next events, planned to coincide with the Academy of Urbanism Conference in May and a BBC Bollywood Live event in City Park in June, were sent out this week.

Each event will involve showcasing Bradford’s successful businesses, cultural assets, community projects and landscapes as well as an explanation of Bradford's plans for the future.

Mr Philpott said more visits would be planned for later in the year, as well as possible trips to speak to journalists in London.

“We want to raise their awareness of Bradford and boost the city’s profile,” he said. “Although we’re speaking to journalists at first, we’ll also be inviting other key opinion formers on other visits.

“Inviting people to visit during the Academy of Urbanism Conference and Bollywood Live shows that Bradford can attract these sorts of event.”