House prices have risen in a run-down part of Bradford since the launch of a successful regeneration scheme.

The Bradford Trident regeneration company has been named as among the best of its kind for the second year running.

Managed by a board of local residents, the company is pumping £50 million of Government cash into the West Bowling, Park Lane and Marshfields areas in a ten -year programme.

The area, which roughly equates to the BD5 postcode, suffered falling house prices for ten years and many residents were saddled with "negative equity".

But since the regeneration began in 2000, prices have gone up 16 per cent. Trident is one of only two out of 39 similar schemes awarded a grade one rating by the Government.

The accolade puts it in the first rank of the New Deal for Communities schemes nationwide.

More than 200 separate projects are under way or in the pipeline to revitalise the area around Manchester Road.

They cover employment, crime, education, health, housing, environment and community involvement.

Capital schemes, such as installing CCTV and community rooms in primary schools in the area, have been completed.

"I am extremely proud that Bradford Trident has, for the second year running, achieved top ranking." said Councillor Ian Greenwood, chairman of the Trident board. "Latest figures show that in this area, in comparison to the rest of the district, crime is down, employment is up and house prices are rising."

Chief executive Steve Hartley said: "A great start has been made in making the Manchester Road area a better place for people to live.

"House prices are an important indicator for us as they demonstrate people's perceptions of the area, and their confidence in it.

"It also makes people more likely to invest in their own properties if they think they will be worth more."

Details of Trident projects can be found at www.bradfordtrident.co.uk