Bradford Chamber of Commerce & Industry started a new era last night when its new offices in the heart of Little Germany, Bradford, were officially opened.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, opened Devere House at a reception which was attended by around 50 people.

John Pennington, president of the Chamber, said: "We are now right in the hub of things where we should be."

Talking about the regeneration of Bradford he added: "The whole thing is coming back to life and we hope the Chamber can help."

The Chamber, which had started to move into the building several months ago, had previously been based in Phoenix House near the Midland Hotel.

Coun Wightman, who is also a chamber member, said: "The Chamber of Commerce is not a building, it is a living body, we should celebrate all its successes, not just this move."

The chamber has more than 1,000 members offering a wide variety of services.

It is an independent, non-profit making and non party-political organisation owned by its members.

Its income comes from member subscriptions, commercial services and contracts.

The chamber believes the Coun Wightman is the first member of the organisation to hold the role of the city's Lord Mayor for more than 50 years.