Businesses in Bradford are being urged to team up with local schools after the success of a scheme to reward high achievers in maths.

Cottingley-based accountants MGI Watson Buckle handed out prizes to students from five Bradford schools as part of a recent drive to boost interest in the subject.

And partner David Warren has urged other firms to follow suit and run similar schemes in other subjects and at other schools.

MGI awarded book tokens worth £50 to individual winners chosen by teachers at Belle Vue Boys and Girls, Salt Grammar, Grange School and Nab Wood.

Mr Warren said: "It was a very easy thing for the firm to do and it shows an interest in local schools. The schools were very pleased to see that someone had taken the time to come in from outside. It didn't cost a lot of money, but it brought a lot of encouragement to a lot of people."

MGI decided to run the maths prizes to encourage young people to take an interest in the subject, which research has shown is becoming less popular.

Mr Warren said: "I would like other people to adopt subjects such as English and science and take this scheme into other schools because it was tough for us to pick five out.

"It is just a very simple gesture from a business. There are a lot of bright youngsters out there who will come through to run businesses and be top employees."

l Mr Warren is launching a new business show to be broadcast on Bradford Community Broadcasting.

The first show, on Monday, November 3 at 6.30pm, will include an interview with Bradford Chamber of Commerce president Roland Clark and a feature on commercial property in the city. Mr Warren is looking for contributors and content ideas for future programmes. Anyone interested should email davidw@mgiwatsonbuckle.co.uk.