Talks are under way to turn part of St George's Hall into an exclusive club for the district's over-50s.

Age Concern is working with Bradford Council to see if it is possible to use the first-floor of the theatre as a much-needed members-only social club.

Carol Wooller, chief officer at Age Concern, Bradford, said the plan was in its early stages but she was hopeful it would get the go-ahead.

"We're working with social services and are extremely hopeful it will all go ahead but there's a lot of work to do first to make sure it's possible.

"There's a tremendous call for this kind of place. We see it as being some kind of drop-in centre with a membership, a place exclusive to over-50s. A creative, social place - perhaps with a bank of computers. St George's is an ideal location."

Mrs Wooller said they would probably apply for funding from the National Lottery's Community Fund.

The plan has been welcomed by Bradford Retired People's Action Group. Its chairman John Smith, of Fagley, said the over-50s centre was something that members had been campaigning for.

Mr Smith said: "The youth in Bradford gets a lot of attention and money spent on them and that's great, I wouldn't knock it. What I'm saying is that we have a right to get the same provision as them.

"Young people have youth clubs and youth centres - why shouldn't we?"

Secretary of Bradford Retired People's Action Group, Joan Foulds, of Ravenscliffe, was thrilled by the news.

"It would be magnificent. I know it's early days but it would be the best Christmas present ever to older people in this district. It's long, long overdue."

Over-50s in Ilkley already have the Clarke-Foley Centre - a purpose-built venue with coffee bar open six days a week. It opened in 1981 and is manned by volunteers, employing a full-time manager to co-ordinate a full programme of events from tai chi to tapestry, dances to orchestral rehearsals, luncheon clubs to art shows.

Manager Pauline Barstow said: "There's a big demand for this kind of venue for the over-50s. We get lots of people from Bradford visiting -- they're very welcome, but I'm sure they'd love a centre like this of their own."

A Council spokesman said: "Discussions are at a very early stage."