A scheme set up to build trust and confidence between the district's local police and ethnic minority communities has secured a massive injection of cash.

The Bradford and District Minority Ethnic Communities Police Liaison Committee has been awarded £273,986 of Government funding.

It is the sixth largest grant handed out by the Home Office as part of its Connecting Communities initiative and has been hailed as a "fantastic boost" for Bradford.

The cash - spread over three years - will fund regular seminars across the district where members of ethnic minority communities can pass on any concerns to police.

The independent meetings are aimed at improving links between the two parties and helping to boost recruitment of ethnic minority police officers by encouraging potential candidates to come forward.

A job shadowing and mentoring scheme will also be set up to offer ongoing support to new recruits.

Joint chairman of the liaison committee, Rashid Awan, said: "This funding is fantastic news for the district. It isn't about paying the wages of ethnic minority police officers, it's about creating the right atmosphere for recruitment.

Officers from ethnic minority communities currently make up 2.6 per cent of West Yorkshire's police strength.

Home Secretary Jack Straw wants the force to increase that figure to 9.4 per cent by 2009 to reflect the wider community's population.

Mr Awan added: "A development worker will act as a mentor in the process, supporting potential candidates and subsequent recruits.

"And the independent meetings held in the heart of the district will be a two-way communication between the community and the police."

The district's race relations officer, Inspector Martin Baines, said the grant would improve links with all members of the community, not just those interested in joining the police.

He added: "This is a massive boost. I personally believe Bradford is becoming a centre of excellence in terms of police and community relations. This is another example of how we are blazing a trail for others to follow."

The Connecting Communities scheme will see 75 organisations in England, Scotland and Wales receive £11.7 million funding over the next three years.