A Bradford-raised peer has the task of fielding demands from the world's media during next week's visit to the UK by Nelson Mandela.

Baroness Thornton of Manningham, a public affairs consultant, has been managing the former South African president's busy schedule which includes officially opening the £15 million extension at Leeds-Bradford International Airport next Monday.

The mother-of-two is organising Press coverage of Mr Mandela's visit as part of her work for the month-long Celebrate South Africa Festival.

But it is a challenge the Baroness, who was born in Mirfield and lived in Manningham from the ages of seven to 20, is relishing.

She said: "It's absolutely overwhelming and I feel completely thrilled and honoured to be involved in it all, and to have the chance of meeting someone like Mr Mandela.

"There was a huge response when his trip was announced, and the telephones haven't stopped ringing.

"We've had to take bids from all parts of the media and try to make sure that everybody, the national, regional and South African Press, has a chance to cover his visit."

Mr Mandela, who arrives in the UK on Friday, will embark on a frantic few days of official appearances which will include the festival's opening Freedom Day concert in Trafalgar Square on Sunday.

With every free second of his time being sought by television, radio and newspaper interviewers, Baroness Thornton has had to make sure space is left for the 83-year-old former freedom fighter to relax.

She said: "The fact is that everyone in the world wants to meet him, talk to him and get photos of him, because he's such a massive figure of respect and love, and such a warm man.

"But he is also an old man, who is retired and quite physically frail, and there's a limit to what he can do. We have to be sure we don't ask too much of him."

Baroness Thornton, 48, now lives in London, but regularly visits her family in Shipley, Saltaire and Manningham.

Despite the efforts of Bradford Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton it now looks unlikely Mr Mandela will have time to visit the district.

But Baroness Thornton still has some hope. She said: "I have written to the High Commissioner supporting Councillor Eaton's letter, and said 'look, it's not fair that Leeds is having all of his time'.

"I think the chances of him coming now are pretty remote, though, but you never know."