Councillors are being warned to be cautious about accepting gifts and hospitality as rules are tightened up about what they declare.

A draft protocol advising members of one of Britain's biggest councils on what they should accept or decline will be discussed at Bradford Council's standards committee on Thursday. It will then be sent to the 90 members for consultation before final rules are drawn up.

The code of conduct for members and co-opted members says gifts and hospitality worth more than £25 must be declared within 28 days - but they are being advised to do it with everything.

Council barrister Gerry Danby, who has prepared the draft, urges members to treat with "extreme caution" anything they are offered personally.

The Council is not legally bound to keep a register of what councillors receive - which the public can see - but will continue to make it available to people.

Today, leader of the Liberal Democrat group Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said: "I welcome it but believe it should apply to all public bodies like Bradford Vision, health trusts and the many other organisations. It shouldn't apply only to the Council."

The draft protocol warns members: "Your personal reputation and that of the Council can be seriously jeopardised by the inappropriate acceptance by you of gift or hospitality."

Members are told by Mr Danby it is a criminal offence to receive a gift, reward or advantage as a bribe to do anything connected with a Council transaction.

Common gifts received by councillors are diaries, pens, calendars, meals or drinks and bouquets.

Councillors will be able to continue to receive gifts and pass them on to the Lord Mayor's appeal fund but will still have to declare them. Leader of the Green party Councillor David Ford said: "I think it is a very good thing because it proves to the public councillors are not 'on the take' as some people think."

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "I think it is right and proper that there should be a strict code of conduct in relation to gifts and hospitality."