Bradford's shopkeepers have brought in a psychologist in a ground-breaking scheme to help them boost their sales over Christmas.

The Chamber of Trade has linked with psychologist Lewis Pinder to help its members learn simple methods which bring profitability without increasing overheads.

They will be shown how to "get into the shoes" of their customers to find out what attracts them to buy.

The tips will include simple things like putting smarties on ice creams and making the most of window displays.

The City of Bradford Renaissance Development Programme will be launched at a free seminar in the Midland Hotel on October 17, at 6.30pm.

Chamber executive committee member Mary Frame said they believed the scheme could dramatically improve trading and the seminar was a must for all types of small to medium-size retailers, ranging from greengrocers to chain stores.

Mr Pinder, of Bradford, who says his company P-DC has dealt with major stores in New South Wales, Queensland and America, has moved back to his home city to set up a head office and aim for European customers.

He has agreed to help the Chamber boost its sales in what is believed to be the first scheme of its type in Britain.

Mr Pinder said: "When I left Bradford 30 years ago to work abroad it was a thriving city and now it is really struggling.

"I hope that we will be able to give them a kick start in time for Christmas."

The seminar will also be open to non-members and people will be invited to take part in workshops after the event.

Mr Pinder said secrets of success included signs with adjectives about products like "fresh cream" and "juicy, sweet oranges".

He said shopkeepers often failed to realise that many of their goods were not even on display.

But he said the common condition among shopkeepers of "store blindness" could be tackled by people going into each other's premises.

Mr Pinder added: "People get totally blind to what is in their shops and how it looks. It can make all the difference if another person comes in, sees it with fresh eyes and immediately points out what is wrong."

"An awful lot can be done which simply doesn't cost anything. There are a lot of ideas which people can pick up from us."

Mr Pinder said it would be wrong for Bradford to compete with the strengths of Leeds and instead they should make the most of their own strengths, including better parking.

Mrs Frame said: "I think it can only be good for Bradford. It is at the right time of the year and the opportunities are there. We have reached the stage where we have to do something and this is an exciting prospect."

Mr Pinder moved to Australia in 1972 to set up his own building company.

He then joined the Australian division of the Success Motivation Institute and became its leading corporate skills director.