The dilapidated Ravenscliffe estate is a "wonderful breeding ground for the far right", according to a community association.

Members of the Ravenscliffe and Greengates Association were horrified to receive a friendly letter from the racist British National Party - offering help in making and distributing leaflets.

Audrey Raistrick, secretary of the RGA, said she was "appalled".

But she was not surprised that the BNP was finding support on the estate - hit by rioting youths on Monday night - because of its deprived condition.

"The letter said they were starting a campaign on Ravenscliffe and that they would offer their services to us for coloured leaflets," Mrs Raistrick said.

"This is a real breeding ground for the BNP.

"I have no time for them, and I was appalled to get a letter starting 'Dear Audrey'."

She said she and other members of the RGA were concerned that disaffected youths could be lured into membership of the BNP because of anger at the dilapidated state of their local area.

"It's now common knowledge that youths from Ravenscliffe were arrested after going on the rampage," she said.

"We knew this could happen - we've constantly tried to draw attention to the conditions on this estate, which resembles a no-man's land.

"This place is a wonderful recruiting ground for the far right."

RGA members blame the Newlands SRB partnership, a £17million regeneration scheme, saying it has failed to spend enough cash on Ravenscliffe.

It is now blaming them for the presence of political extremists in their community.

The BNP put up a candidate in the Bradford North seat in the general election, attracting 1,600 votes.

It is understood support for the BNP was concentrated in the Eccleshill/Ravenscliffe area where racist activists have fermented anger among parents of children at the former Eccleshill Upper School.