Hundreds of groups across the district were today vying for funds after Bradford received a multi-million-pound windfall.

Area Panels have the mammoth task of choosing the winners and losers who want cash from the £22 million Neighbourhood Renewal Funding.

The award from the Government must be spent over the next three years and £2.5 million is being shared between the five area panels for the year ending in March.

Other mainstream projects are also being proposed by the Council to receive cash, including a feasibility study on the redevelopment of towering Manningham Mills.

It will shortly be followed by invitations for a second round of funding for March next year.

The projects must boost the economy, provide high-quality decent housing or better health, or bring about a safer community.

The deadline for applications for grants or to provide services was December 14 and in the past few weeks appraisal panels have worked round the clock scrutinising them.

Their recommendations will go to Bradford North, West and South and Shipley area panels this week.

Bradford North Area Panel has received £481,000 to distribute and has 94 applications asking for a total of £1.5 million.

Bradford West has £646,500 to allocate and its appraisal panel has recommended approval of 36 applications totalling £730,600.

In Bradford South a total of £365,000 is available and its appraisal panel has recommended approval of 20 projects totalling £321,500.

Councillor Howard Middleton, chairman of Bradford North Area Panel, said: "The timing has been very tight because things did not come through from the Government until late.

"But we are in a good position because we have a lot of good-quality schemes to choose from."

Shipley Area Panel has a total of £232,000 and 48 applications either for grants or to supply services.

Organisations competing for funds include the Wannabee Performing Arts Club, St Christ-opher's Church, Holme Wood; African, Caribbean Cookery, arts and culture; Hirst Wood activity project for young people; Bradford Retired Men's Forum; Bradford Community Orchards Development Project; Bradford West Anti Crime Partnership and Lawcroft Neighbourhood Watch.

Those recommended for rejection include Farcliffe family centre and an Asian women's employment and mentoring course.