A stretch of the River Aire could become Bradford's answer to the Ganges, into which Hindus and Sikhs could scatter their loved ones' ashes.

Religious ceremonies would take place by the river's edge at Apperley Bridge as ashes are scattered into the purifying waters.

The Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford and Bradford Council have agreed that the scheme could work in principle.

Hindus and Sikhs in Bradford made the request because for many it is too expensive to take relatives' ashes to the sacred River Ganges in India.

Bradford Council has offered a section of the river near Apperley Bridge as a possibility, where railings, steps and a cement platform would be put up to make it safe to scatter ashes.

Rajinder Johar, President of the Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford, said that at present some Hindus take ashes to the North Sea at Scarborough instead of India.

He said: "Not everybody can afford to go to the Ganges. It costs about £1,000.

"We have spoken to the crematorium department at Bradford Council who have taken on this responsibility and chosen a place for us.

"We need flowing water to cleanse and purify.

"At Apperley Bridge, there is a bridge and a car park nearby, so it is ideal."

One of Bradford's two Hindu priests would perform a ceremony and prayers would be said over the river.

A meeting between environmental and recreation officers and members of the Hindu and Sikh communities is likely to be held in the near future to produce firm plans.

Hindus believe that the Ganges, in northern India, transports them directly to heaven and frees them from the cycle of reincarnation.

Every day about 60,000 Hindu devotees bathe in a seven-mile stretch of the sacred river, where they pray to the goddess Ganga, or Great Mother.

Mr Johar added: "Sikhs also scatter their ashes in water but they go to Punjab.

"But I do not think we will be bathing in the River Aire because it is too dangerous."

Councillor David Ward (Idle, Lib Dem) has some concerns about the nearby Esholt sewerage works.

"The sewerage works are just upstream from Apperley Bridge but I assume it will be properly checked out," he said.

"It is a lovely location. But it is still early days and we have not been involved in a decision so far."

Jane Glaister, Bradford Council's Arts, Heritage and Leisure Director, said: "No decisions have yet been made."