Social services chiefs plan to create a centre of excellence for fostering and adoption at new premises in Shipley.

The council's adoption and fostering unit is moving from its current base in Little Germany to new offices in Shipley, which have been done up to the tune of £200,000.

Workers say the new unit in Saltaire Road will provide better facilities for the authority's volunteer army of foster carers and adoptive parents.

There will be more space for carers to meet each other and more comfortable, child-friendly surroundings for them to bring the youngsters in their charge.

Now, bosses at social services say they can establish a reputation as a national centre of excellence, and have applied for a Charter Mark as an endorsement of the quality of the services they provide. To win the accolade, officials have to submit to extra Government inspections and commit to improving the service given to foster carers and meeting tougher targets.

"Carers have told us they would prefer a building of their own to provide facilities for them and their children," said Denis Gale, the unit manager.

"We have learned a great deal from carers, about how we can deliver a better service to them, and treating them as colleagues is a priority.

"Bradford Council has a good history of work in adoption and fostering, but we are now aiming to deliver even better services. The move to the Aire Building will mark a clear change for all of us."

Carers will be invited to tour the new facilities at an open day next month, while the official launch takes place in September.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, Bradford Council's executive member for health and housing, said: "Staff will be better equipped to deliver the kind of service which carers ask for. The building has the space to enable carers to meet. Recruitment, training and support for new foster carers and adopters will be more accessible.

"The Aire Building is well placed for bus and train routes, and car parking is better than in the city centre. Structural work has been carried out, and the interior has been completely refurbished to create a welcoming environment."

The move coincides with the launch of a £1.5 million national recruitment campaign aimed at getting more carers to come forward.