Wish you were here!

The sun shone, the band boomed out and the pensioners relaxed on their deckchairs on the beach - in Bradford!

In a happy role reversal, the city played host to seaside day-trippers from Morecambe arriving at 'Bradford Beach', created in Centenary Square, pictured.

And the pensioners loved it, giving the new 'beach' the seal of approval, declaring it "like their own home but with more sand".

The visitors reversed the long-established trend of Bradford holidaymakers going over to Morecambe - known as Bradford-on-Sea - by crossing the Pennines from west to east for a change.

Centenary Square was almost unrecognisable, having been transformed for a week-long beach party. As well as imported sand, sculptures and palm trees, there is the Lady Rani, a 32 feet cross between a Bangladeshi river boat and an English canal boat.

A lighthouse and a giant beached whale with a pirate theatre in its belly complete the seaside theme.

The Morecambe visitors from the Lancaster Friendship Club travelled to Bradford in a purpose-painted Capital of Culture bus, supplied by First, which is advertising the campaign on its vehicles.

Maureen Daniels-Laing, 67, vice-chairman of the Lancaster Friendly Club, said: "I think the Bradford Beach is a wonderful idea.

"Bradford is going along the right lines to secure its Capital of Culture bid."

After being met by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Councillor Richard and Elizabeth Wightman, the group enjoyed a fish and chip lunch on the Centenary Square promenade and took in the sights. Coun Wightman said: "Morecambe and Bradford have had a long association and I think they owe us a visit after all the people we have sent over there.

"It's delightful to see holidaymakers coming in the other direction to visit the Bradford beach."

Pennine Brass provided the traditional seaside sound, although they had to compete with work being carried out on Provincial House, due to be demolished at the end of September.

Paul Brookes, Capital of Culture bid director, said: "The event was an exciting reunion and had symbolic value that Bradford is a place people want to visit."

And the pensioners were full of praise.

Barbara Williamson, 73, said: "I haven't seen anything like this before.

"It makes home seem very dull!"

The visit was rounded off with a trip to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television where they were shown old pictures of Bradford holidaymakers in Morecambe.

Margaret Philips, 75, said: "The whole idea is quite unusual but works.

"I will definitely return to Bradford to visit the museum."

Former Bradford citizen Kenneth Hall, 76, said Centenary Square looked much more impressive than when he used to live in the city, seven years ago.

"I have really enjoyed my day, especially the trip to the museum."

Ellen Allison, 81, said she loved seeing how the different cultures work together.

"I think Bradford is a smashing place."

And Dorothy Houghton, 65, said: "The beach was a great effort.

"The people here are so friendly and helpful, they have made it a great day and I will be coming back."