A £70 million organisation which will care for tens of thousands of people with mental health disorders and learning disabilities in the Bradford district was unveiled today.

The Bradford District Care Trust is a groundbreaking group which brings the NHS and social services together in a new era of health and social care.

It will serve a population of more than half a million people in Bradford, Airedale and Craven and employ 2,000 staff.

The Trust is one of only four flagship organisations nationally and was launched by Health Minister Lord Philip Hunt at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

Linda Pollard, chairman of the trust, said it puts the city at the forefront of the modernisation of public services.

"The creation of a Care Trust for the people of Bradford, Airedale and Craven opens up huge opportunities for the district. We want to make sure we seize these opportunities and really begin to make a difference to people's lives," said Mrs Pollard.

"We must aim to reap the benefits of being at the forefront of innovation and change. Bradford in general, and the Care Trust in particular, have a golden chance to help shape the future direction of health and social care nationally.

"Given the skills, dedication and no shortage of good ideas among our staff, I am sure that exciting times lie ahead for all of us," she added.

More than 300 guests, including staff and service users from across the district, were given an insight into the aims of the Trust at today's launch. Skills of service users were also shown in displays of handmade arts and crafts and musicians from Performance Express, which includes mental health service, were set to entertain visitors.

A series of roadshows is also being planned around the district to explain the role of the Trust which covers almost 600 square miles and stretches from Queensbury and Wyke in the south through Bradford, Bingley, Keighley and Ilkley to Ribblehead in the Dales.

Chief executive Con Egan said: "The launch provides us with a strong platform on which to reach out to all staff groups and community groups. As well as telling them what we are about, we also want them to tell us about the improvements they would like to see."

Bradford District Care Trust has taken on mental health and learning disability services from the former Bradford Community Health NHS Trust, which was dissolved after the remainder of its services were transferred to the Care Trust and local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

It has also taken over management of learning disability and mental health services provided by Airedale NHS Trust and Bradford social services.