The human touch of a community worker is to return to two Bradford estates at the request of residents.

Members of the Bradford North Area Panel have awarded £26,000 to pay for a new community development worker for the Ravenscliffe and Greengates estates.

Interviews are already underway to find a suitable candidate for the post which will last at least 12 months.

It is hoped he or she will be in position by the end of the year.

John Rawnsley, chairman of the Ravenscliffe Community Development Project (RCDP), said the new worker would replace Michael Pascal, known locally by his nickname of Muppet, who spent three years in the role.

Earlier this year he moved to work on the powerhouse Project for the Thornbury, Fagley and Bradford Moor estates and many feared the gap he left behind would not be filled.

The RCDP applied through the Newlands Partnership to the panel for money to replace him and after a public consultation the funding was agreed.

Mr Rawnsley said: "The post is very important for both estates otherwise community groups would be more or less on their own and not get any specialist help.

"Ordinary tenants and residents don't always know where to go for funding or how to set about it. This worker will be fully trained and experienced in these fields as well as providing a vital link within the various groups."

During the consultation residents were asked if they wanted the worker or an information technology project instead - which was rejected.

Councillor Alun Griffiths (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said: "The panel's decision will help make a difference in this part of Eccleshill.