A new organisation will be set up to keep culture top of the agenda in Bradford, despite the city's failure to be short-listed as Europe's capital of culture.

The district's cultural consortium will monitor the progress of a major blueprint called Only Connect which is expected to be approved by the Council's executive committee on January 7.

Officers will advise the consortium be set up to ensure the blueprint becomes a reality.

The consortium will have representatives from all agencies dealing with culture and report back to Bradford Vision, made up of the district's leading organisations.

It will scrutinise progress and look at funding and whether it is being used properly. Other consortia could also be set up beneath the parent body, which may represent sections like sport.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's executive member for culture, said: "I feel it is important to have an organisation to drive forward the strategy and ensure no section is overlooked. The district is widely recognised for its rich cultural landscape and creative reputation.

"A blueprint backed by local organisations and people is important to identify priorities and help attract public and private investment. It is an important step towards developing facilities, jobs and creative industries."

The move comes as the Telegraph & Argus calls for Bradford to be handed the county's unofficial title of Capital of Culture.

The latest plan will cover the development of arts, libraries, museums, sport, creative industries, festivals, events and the countryside.

It has been developed following extensive consultation with communities and organisations including Yorkshire Arts and Sport England.

Key objectives in the plan include: promoting the image of the district; developing cultural industries and trying to keep creative people with innovative ideas in the district; and bringing harmony among different communities through culture.