A new deal which hopes to produce football stars of the future and boost the sports facilities of a Bradford school has been announced.

In north Bradford a high school is celebrating a partnership deal with Bradford City which could see its football pitches transformed.

Hanson School is the new location for the Bantams' youth operation. Its centre of excellence involves 120 boys aged nine to 16 who play and train on Sundays and have relocated from Apperley Bridge.

School leaders hope they can use the partnership to secure improvements to facilities, for instance by bidding for cash for an all-weather pitch. The deal will also benefit partner schools, like the adjoining Swain House Primary.

Through the deal the football club hopes to discover a fresh crop of young talent while the facilities at Sutton Avenue will continue to be used by school pupils and local teams for the rest of the week.

Shaun Harvey, managing director at Bradford City, said the new arrangements could help the club bring on more young talent - such as teenage striker Danny Forrest, who has come through the ranks and is a fast-rising star.

"People like Danny Forrest are role models for lads in the city," Mr Harvey said. "He has made it; Hanson School can help us play a part in delivering more and more of these boys."

Working with the local professional club has already enabled Hanson to improve its playing surfaces, through employing expert ground staff. Now they are getting more play out of the pitches whatever the weather. A five year development plan will now be put together on how the facilities can be taken from strength to strength.

Head teacher Tony Thorne said: "This is a groundbreaking pathfinder and proof of what Bradford can do."

Former Hanson School pupil Lewis Emanuel sent his apologies to the launch after missing Tuesday night's Crewe game through illness. But staff have fond memories of the player who is now an established member of the City first team.