Interest in a ground-breaking Bradford soap, designed to highlight health issues, has soared after Bradford was thrust into the national spotlight because of the riots.

Media coverage of the riots and Lord Ouseley's race review has boosted interest in Kismet Road, a soap filmed in Bradford, which uses everyday social situations to get a health message across to ethnic communities.

Since the soap finished filming earlier this year promoters have been marketing the £340,000 show to national television companies.

Michael Kennedy, of promoters Rod Natkiel Associates, said: "The current situation of racial unrest has made broadcasters more aware of the need to improve awareness and understanding of ethnic communities. It's an extremely professional production and we have had a very good response from leading broadcasters.

"Many have said its an interesting concept and entirely coincidentally the focus on northern cities this summer has made broadcasters even more interested."

Adeeba Malik, chairman of the steering group for Kismet Road, believes the drama has universal appeal.She said: "This is a drama series with the primary focus on improving knowledge for South Asian communities in an informative, interesting and entertaining way.

"The white community will watch it and see that many of the health issues are similar to those they face heart disease, diabetes and so on. There will also be a resource pack to go with the series aimed at white institutions that will give a better understanding of the communities.''

She added: "The national and international coverage is attention Bradford could have done without. The series is an accurate and informative way to get the message across that people do get on in Bradford."

Described as a cross between Casualty and EastEnders, Kismet Road is the first Asian soap opera. Paid for mainly through Bradford's Health Action Zone Innovations Fund, it has been filmed in English, Punjabi and Urdu. Storylines for the 13 episodes include health issues such as breast cancer and HIV and social issues such as intermarriage and drug abuse.

Themes were chosen after consultation with the South Asian community.