The man who spearheaded Bradford's Capital of Culture bid has resigned from his job on the Council.

After announcing he was stepping down from the high-profile post, Paul Brookes insisted the failed campaign had put the district "on the national map" and helped bolster civic pride.

As politicians sung his praises, Mr Brookes - the director of Bradford 2008, the team behind the capital of culture bid - revealed he was embarking on creative projects elsewhere on a freelance basis.

It is understood Mr Brookes' contract runs out in September, but following the failure of the bid to be shortlisted he has decided to go early.

The 50-year-old led Brad-ford's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008 through organising a range of high-profile events, including a Bradford Embassy in London and turning Cen-tenary Square into a beach and basketball area.

The campaign attracted national and international headlines and was praised by the Capital of Culture judging panel for its imagination and sense of fun. Mr Brookes said it was successful in uniting the people of Bradford in a way never done before, and in highlighting the challenges faced by Bradford and the north-south divide.

He said: "Although we were unsuccessful with the bid, I firmly believe the campaign has put Bradford district on the national map and has gone a long way to proving that it is a great place that we can be proud of."

A spokesman for Bradford Council said it was building on the bid campaign's momentum by forming an ongoing cultural consortium called One Landscape Many Views. The title, inspired by a photomontage by David Hockney, was the slogan used during the campaign.

The Council's consortium is aimed at delivering "cultural regeneration" through activities including arts, sports and creative projects.

Mr Brookes said he would remain involved with Brad-ford through his work on a national Festival of Culture 2008. He was commissioned by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to organise the event, which will create a cultural network of events in each of the 12 bidding cities.

The Bradford 2008 team has been slimmed down since its bid failed and its Little Germany office will officially close tomorrow.

Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton said: "Paul and the 2008 team have worked extremely hard to develop Bradford's 2008 bid and played a significant role in raising the district's profile both locally and nationally.

"I am delighted that Paul will be retaining close links with the city.."

Bradford Council chief executive Ian Stewart added: "The Capital of Culture campaign has been an amazing journey for everyone involved and Paul Brookes and his colleagues in the 2008 team have worked tirelessly to bring everyone on board and build support."