Millions of pounds will be poured into community schemes across the district after marathon meetings of the district's area panels - including more than £200,000 to boost the lives of people in the Shipley area.

An advice and information bus for the area was one of the initiatives given the go-ahead by members of the Shipley Community Area Panel.

Eileen Sinclair, a member of Bingley Voluntary Action's management committee which submitted the bid, said it would be a vital service in combating deprivation in outlying areas.

"Places like Cottingley and Denholme are really cut off because of the limited bus services and people living out there who don't have cars find it difficult to access information and help," she said. "If we put all the villages together and looked at the deprivation it would probably amount to the same as the whole of Bradford."

The minibus will be available for use by a range of agencies and will provide help and support on a number of issues, such as training and benefits.

BBradford West, South, North and Shipley Area Panels had £2.45 million from Government Neighbourhood Renewal Fund to award projects.