Police chiefs today unveiled a major exercise to help heal the wounds left by Bradford's riots.

Hundreds of extra officers will patrol the streets in coming days. Police commanders say they want to reassure the public and prove Bradford is "bouncing back" from the recent violence.

They also hope the move will restore confidence in the city centre where businesses have suffered. Residents will be able to voice concerns to police chiefs and other civic leaders during a city centre exhibition.

West Yorkshire's Chief Constable Graham Moore said: "Officers will be out on the streets positively policing the city to rebuild public confidence and provide a visible street presence.

"We will be joined by partners from across Bradford to demonstrate our determination to help restore a sense of community."

The three-day operation was organised before the riots and is part of West Yorkshire Police's Target initiative - the force's largest ever crime blitz .

From Thursday to Saturday, around 150 officers a day will be involved in extra patrols in the Bradford South division, including mounted and dog sections. Special attention will be paid to public disorder hot spots.

On Saturday between 11am and 3pm a police exhibition will be held in Centenary Square where Bradford's riots began.

Members of the public will be able to meet the Chief Constable, Police Authority representatives, Bradford councillors and other Community Safety partners. They will also be able to speak to local officers.

The force's recruitment team will offer advice on careers and there will be displays of vehicles and police animals.

"The event will offer people an opportunity to find out more about West Yorkshire Police's performance in tackling crime, tell us what they think and take a look around the force's exhibition trailer," said Bradford South Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent David Richardson.

"The aim is to provide a high-visibility presence in Bradford - to tell people about what is being done to tackle crime locally and give them a chance to tell us what they think. It will also be a celebration of Bradford and of policing Bradford."

Bradford Council leader, Councillor Margaret Eaton, said: This is a tremendous initiative that will help the public better understand local policing issues. It is a real opportunity for the people of Bradford to show their support for the police."

The Target initiative has seen more than 900 arrests in connection with burglary, robbery and car crime since its launch in April.