The district's house market, including Bingley, is in danger of over-heating, an estate agent has warned.

House prices in Yorkshire and Humber rose faster in the first quarter of 2002 than they have over the last eight years.

In the three months to March, the number of chartered surveyors reporting higher prices surged to 96 per cent, up from 64 per cent in February.

This is the biggest growth in England and Wales.

Andrew Hodgson, of Dacre Son and Hartley, Bingley, said: "We are seeing very strong demand in all prices ranges - almost panic-buying in the £50,000 to £150,000 range.

"The market must be in danger of overheating."

Ian Briggs, of Dacre Son and Hartley in Ilkley, added: "The market within the Ilkley district has reached fever pitch, with the majority of properties in the popular price ranges going to sealed bids and usually attracting ten or more offers from purchasers able to proceed and premium prices being paid."

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors reveals buyer interest in the region has risen and sales are up.

Chris Johnstone, of RICS, said: "Newly-agreed sales have also been strengthening, rising on an underlying basis at their strongest pace since last summer, though growth in new enquiries showed a slight slowdown from a strong level."