Bradford-born television presenter Richard Whiteley has turned trendsetter, with his Capital of Culture tie.

The blue silk tie, featuring the Bradford 2008 logo, was made for the star to promote the district's bid. He has pledged to wear it while presenting Channel 4's Countdown quiz show, where he said "it will be seen by millions."

Now, following a recent Telegraph & Argus article about Richard's tie, there is growing demand for it to be mass produced.

And Bradford's Capital of Culture team is planning to manufacture it and sell it in Bradford.

Yesterday the T&A reported that teenagers are snapping up Bradford T-shirts to show they're proud of their home town. Now it's the turn of businessmen to step out in style.

"We've had lots of requests for Capital of Culture ties - especially from businessmen who want to wear them on business trips and meetings to promote Bradford on a wider scale," said bid team spokeswoman Sonia Lewis.

"People saw Richard Whiteley in the T&A wearing the tie and now everyone wants one! His tie was made as a one-off, especially for him, by London company Tristar Images.

"But since the demand is so high we're planning to have the design manufactured and sold right here in Bradford.

"It's only in the planning stages at the moment but we would be using a local firm to manufacture them. It's a really effective way of promoting the bid and showing that people are proud to come from Bradford. The ties will make great gifts too."

Richard, who has won National Tie Wearer of the Year awards, wore his customised tie for the recent unveiling of billboards promoting Bradford's Capital of Culture bid.

He told the T&A: "Everyone knows me as a tie-wearer and this is a great way of getting the bid noticed. It will be seen by the nation on Countdown!

"I was born in Bradford and still live in the district. I'm not one of these people who says they love the place, and then moves away.

"Bradford's bid is also Yorkshire's bid. It will be a terrific boost to the whole county if it gets the title.

"We in Bradford know what makes the places special. Now it's time to show the rest of the country."