Cricketer Claire Taylor will congratulate inspirational pupils in Bradford on Friday.

Claire, who has clocked up the most centuries in women's test cricket, will hand out certificates to young athletes in Centenary Square.

The presentation at lunchtime is the grand finale to a week of celebrations to tie in with the national Excellence in Cities week.

About 1,500 school pupils and staff will converge on the centre of Bradford to honour their classmates and take part in a musical extravaganza.

"We are really excited about this year's Excellence in Cities Week, as it has attracted a lot of interest from schools across the district," said Linda Disney, organiser and the Learning Mentor co-ordinator at Education Bradford.

The finale event, called Something to Shout About, will see 43 awards made to children from Bradford schools who have been nominated for the difference they are making to raising standards. Entertainment will be provided by Buttershaw Primary School's samba band, Glenaire Primary's orchestra and by the Bradford Bulls roadshow.

Claire Taylor will also hand out awards to winners of a five-a-side tournament involving 48 school teams on Wednesday at Thornton Grammar School and Marley Stadium, Keighley. The final is on Thursday at Bowling Park Primary, Bradford.

Tomorrow, 12 secondary schools will do battle at Grange Technology College for the Top of the Schools Challenge title.

Excellence in Cities is a Government scheme that provides extra resources to help raise standards in hard-pressed urban areas.

It funds learning mentors in schools, high-tech city learning centres and projects under the Gifted and Talented banner.