THE man in charge of Bradford city centre has been praised by the High Streets Minister for his efforts to make Bradford a better place to live, work and socialise.

Jonny Noble is one of 13 individuals, ideas and schemes across the country to receive a special recognition award by Marcus Jones and Simon Roberts, the co-chairman of the Future High Streets Forum, as part of the Great British High Street Awards.

The prize recognises his work helping the regeneration of North Parade, which has recently become the centre of the city's busting 'independent quarter'.

Mr Noble has also forged successful partnerships between The Broadway shopping centre, local traders, store managers and the local authority.

Mr Jones said: "Jonny Noble and the other Special Recognition award winners are fantastic examples of the people that give their all to make our communities better places to live, work and socialise."

Mr Noble added: "Local people as well as people from further afield love visiting the city centre, including North Parade with its fantastic mix of cafe bars, eateries and retail offer and I’m really glad that by working together we’ve managed to highlight the importance of high streets across the country."