Bradford is seeking a supremo with a "can do" attitude to clinch the European culture crown for the city.

The Council has advertised across the country for a top officer to prepare Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The district's first director of culture - with a salary of between £52,000 and £60,000 - will spearhead a project which could bring millions of pounds to the district in investment and tourism.

The Council says the applicant must have a "can do" approach and be a persuasive communicator.

A successful bid would bring thousands of jobs and world-wide acclaim for the city.

The Council officially announced last week that it was in the race against other British cities for the title. It has already received the backing of Glasgow, the unlikely contender which won ten years ago.

It will have to produce a world-quality, year- long programme of events and demonstrate that it can fund and produce them.

Bradford's culture supremo will have to help set up a Capital of Culture board and prepare a bid based on what the term culture means to the district and its residents.

The main strand of the bid will be "multi-culture'' and the new director will have to gain the commitment of organisations across the district. The job description says he will have to work with director of marketing and communications Owen Williams to promote a "genuine belief on the part of citizens" that the district is the culture capital and will get recognition.

The job would be on a two-year contract and there would be relocation expenses of up to £5,500.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "This is another important piece of the jigsaw in putting Bradford on the map.

"If we are serious - and we are - about entering this national competition, we have to be fully committed and have the appropriate expertise to co-ordinate the many different activities taking place."

Councillor Howard Middleton (Lib Dem, Bolton) said Bradford had a habit of being "half baked". He added: "It must be done properly by a highly experienced person."

Deputy Labour group leader Councillor Barry Thorne said he was delighted the bid was moving ahead.

"I am also pleased the other groups recognise that Bradford is the important thing."

Bradford will have 18 months to prepare its bid and the winner will be announced in 2002. Past winners include Paris, Florence and Athens.