Bradford's business leaders and opinion formers need to ensure their voice is heard at regional level, a conference in the city was told.

Representatives from Bradford Council, Bradford Vision, parish councils, regeneration partnerships and voluntary bodies met at Bradford City's ground yesterday to try to build closer links between the city and the wider region.

They heard from officials at Yorkshire Forward and the regional assembly about the importance of seeing Bradford as part of the wider region.

And Jane Hustwit, director of external affairs for the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly, said she was keen to hear more from Bradford's businesses and citizens.

"The concept of the region isn't going to go away whether or not we get elected regional government," she said. "It is really important that decision makers and opinion formers in Bradford are involved with the development of the region."

Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton, who spoke at the event along with Bradford Vision chief executive Sharmila Gandhi, said the aim of the conference was to develop partnerships with regional bodies.

"It is important that Bradford builds closer ties and we wanted to get the message across about our priorities and ambitions," she said.