Bradford school children are set to showcase the district in one of the most professional performances the Millennium Dome has seen.

More than 80 youngsters from performing arts school Stage 84, pictured, will use song and dance to tell the story of the district to, potentially, hundreds of spectators next Monday.

Groups of pupils from across the country have been performing in the controversial Dome's 'Our Town Story' theatre throughout the year.

But Stage 84's Valerie Jackson said she had been told by a Dome representative who visited a rehearsal that Bradford's show was among the best he had seen.

"We were delighted with the feedback we received," she said.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the children from my school Stage 84 representing many of the schools in our area to tell the audiences at the Dome all about our wonderful city, its history over the last 100 years and its plans for the future."

The show is based on the pageant that the school produced to celebrate the Bradford's centenary in 1997. It takes in the themes of industry, sport and leisure, two world wars and culture.

Famous Bradford personalities portrayed include former world snooker champion Joe Johnson and composer Delius. There also will be a new section including a rap about Bradford Council's strategy for the future - 20/20 Vision.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "The whole Our Town Story programme is a fantastic opportunity for young people to sing the praise of their district to a national audience. We are thrilled to be invited to take centre stage for the day.

"20/20 Vision is about young people and turning opportunities into achievements and success which everyone can benefit from. The young generation are the future of the district and their creative contribution will also be an important factor in Bradford's bid for European Capital of Culture status."

Stage 84 will be performing the show three times in the 500 capacity Our Town Story theatre.

A group of budding textile designers at Belle Vue Girls School, Bradford, will also be promoting the district with an exhibition in the Dome on the same day.

The eight sixth formers have joined forces with Bradford College's Yorkshire Craft Centre to create some unique textile designs. Using archives at the centre as research material, the girls designed and printed individual fabric pieces based on Bradford's textile history and their own cultures.

Centre manager Vanessa Scarth said: "The girls work is absolutely stunning with a strong Asian flavour. It's very colourful and will form a treasured section of the exhibition."