A Bradford restaurant boss is working towards racial harmony in the city by inviting people from all races and religions to sit and discuss their differences - over a free curry.

The move has been welcomed by Lord Ouseley, who compiled Bradford's hard-hitting race review.

From tomorrow night ethnic minority and white families will be offered a free meal at the Balti Chef restaurant in Manor Row. The only condition is that they talk to each other and learn from one another.

Javed Bashir, 32, who has run the Balti Chef since 1995, said it was time to do something positive to help Bradford's different communities. Mr Bashir, pictured with some of his guests, said: ""Restaurants act as ambassadors for promoting culture as they are the first point of contact for many people."

"What we want is a fully integrated community where everyone appreciates each other's culture."

Mr Bashir, of Keighley, said he regarded England as his home and he wanted to see his three children grow up in harmony.

"Everywhere you go in Bradford you see it's a divided city," he said.

"Lord Herman Ouseley's report showed that. Often people come to our restaurant and the waiters are the only Asians they have spoken to."

Mr Bashir said that as a city centre restaurant the Balti Chef served people from all over the world - including celebrities.

"We are often the first Asians that people have ever spoken to," he said.

"I just think we have to do something now before it is too late and the trouble escalates totally.

"It is time to do something practical and this is one way."

Lord Ouseley, whose hard-hitting race report highlighted the gulf between the Asian and white communities said the idea was "splendid."

"It is wonderful that someone is doing something proactive to help the community and I applaud this proposal," he said.

"I wish this gentleman every success and hope others will follow suit."

Bradford Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton also welcomed the plans.

"It is a wonderful idea. It is just a pity that the world's press isn't here to see such a positive image," she said.

"Most people in Bradford do get on really well and this is a perfect example of someone wanting to do something positive to help people even more. This gentleman is actively trying to bring communities together and I wish him every success."

Mr Bashir hopes to send out invitation letters to homes across the district in the next few days.