Did you know that Bradford was the first local authority in Britain to introduce school meals?

Or that the Independent Labour Party was formed in Bradford in 1893 after a strike at Manningham Mills?

These are just some of the little known facts about Bradford that are playing a major role in its bid to be the culture capital of Europe.

Now Bradford people are being urged to come up with their own fascinating facts about the district on the campaign team's new website.

And in line with the year Bradford hopes to be Europe's top cultural city, the website is seeking at least 2008 online ideas from people for the bid.

The website, which includes progress reports on how the bid is developing, has been designed by leading Yorkshire design agency Elmwood, along with Bradford Council.

As well as providing information about the bid, it is aimed at giving Bradford people chance to get involved by submitting their own Bradford facts and ideas about what events or projects which they think would highlight the district's rich culture.

Director of Bradford's Capital of Culture team Paul Brookes said the best ideas would be used as part of the bid, which is being submitted to the Government on March 31.

"I'm sure lots of Bradford-ians have their own ideas about what makes the district head and shoulders above anywhere else," he said. "The launch of this new interactive website is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved in shaping Bradford's bid.

"As we count down to 2008, I want to hear about interesting facts, Bradford firsts, and famous sons and daughters.

"And we want people to give us their opinion in no more than 50 words on why Bradford should be Euro-pean Capital of Culture 2008.

"The search starts now to help make Bradford's 2008 bid a winning one."

The website also includes information about the Capital of Culture Partner-ship Board and campaign team, and a host of facts and figures about Bradford's diverse cultural heritage and history.

Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton said: "The lively new website aims to encourage people to get behind the bid and say why they think the Government should choose Bradford district. We believe Bradford has a winning case, and the new site, coupled with World Heritage status for Saltaire, represents a double boost for the campaign."

To get involved with the bid online go to www.brad ford2008.com