Bradford has found an unlikely role model in Finland in its bid to become Capital of Culture.

Bradford Council chief executive Ian Stewart visited Helsinki in Finland - which was one of eight cities chosen to be Capital of Culture for 2000 - to see at first hand how its successful bid was put together.

Mr Stewart visited Helsinki in 1999 for the European Cities Conference. A year later he met up with Helsinki's Capital Culture director and asked him how the year had been.

"He said there were enormous benefits, especially to tourism," said Mr Stewart.

"There was a huge rise in visitors, even in January and February which aren't traditionally good tourism months, and hotel bedroom occupancy rose by 15 per cent."

Like Bradford, Helsinki was not an obvious Capital of Culture choice, but Mr Stewart said: "I'm a cynical Scotsman and not easily impressed, but I thought their Capital of Culture programme of events was incredible.

"They had pageants, theatre, dance and sporting tournaments. It was a very varied and inclusive programme involving all sections of the community. There was a lot of input from people with disabilities.

"There was so much enthusiasm from everyone and there was something for people of all ages - even babies as young as six-months-old."

Mr Stewart said Bradford had learned a lot from Helsinki.

Like Bradford, Helsinki's culture bid was put together by a team of consultants and there was massive public consultation.

"This is a people's bid. That was the case in Helsinki and people took an active role, giving the programme of events a great community feel," said Mr Stewart.

"Helsinki had ongoing events throughout the year, which is what we are aiming for in Bradford."

e-mail: emma.clayton

@bradford.newsquest.co.uk