Bradford's new "peace-maker" is expected to start work as early as July as the district moves forward to build bridges following the riots.

Sharmila Gandhi, pictured, chief executive of Bradford Vision, will have talks with the Home Office Community Cohesion Unit tomorrow over plans for the future.

She said Vision - made up of the district's major organisations - is hoping for "significant funding" towards the appointment of a top officer.

The new director of community commission would have the remit of co-ordinating all the plans which have now been drawn up in answer to the damning Ouseley report on the district's race relations and the riots last summer.

In a report to Vision's board meeting today, Mrs Gandhi - who took over as chief executive three weeks ago - said issues are already moving on.

She told members five mini youth parliaments have been set up in the district's constituencies - in line with the recommendations of the Ouseley report.

But Mrs Gandhi said talks are going on with the Government office and other organisations about long-term funding for the post

Bradford Council has also approved the setting up of a main youth parliament, while officers are looking at its constitution to consider how the parliament could play a real part in making decisions.

Mrs Gandhi says in her report that she is working closely with the Council and Government regeneration agency Yorkshire Forward about the formation of an Urban Regeneration Com-pany for Bradford.

A shadow board for the proposed company - which is expected to breathe new life into the city centre - is being set up pending a final Government decision on its implementation.

But Mrs Gandhi said: "As a local strategic partnership, we have to bring Vision closer to the communities. That is what we are focusing on."