A Bradford cafe is breaking new ground - by slashing its prices for youngsters prepared to shun greasy food for a healthier life.

Business is booming at the cafe in Great Horton as it serves up the half-price meals to teenagers.

Under 19s who go to the non-profit making CJ's Diner and Coffee House can eat for half price - as long as they shun chips and fry-ups in favour of the healthy options like jacket potatoes and salads.

The cafe which cost about £90,000 to build and fit out, received its official opening when Bradford City players Robbie Blake and John Dreyer dropped in for a meal.

Neither qualified for the discounted prices - but both were impressed with the healthy fayre and stylish surroundings.

"CJ's offers good food, at a great price and best of all fabulous service, from the friendliest of staff," John Dreyer said.

CJ's Diner grew out of the neighbouring CJ's youth club, run by the Lighthouse Outreach Christian project.

Youth workers successfully bid for cash from the Barnardo's children's charity and the Glaxo Wellcome drugs company who teamed up to donate £35,000 under their joint Right Fit scheme.

"Business has been very good," said Louise Say, of the project. "Fridays in particular are really popular. We get children coming after school, local business people and members of the local Asian community.

"We didn't know what to expect with it being a new venture, but it's gone better than we thought possible."

Exhaustive market research was carried out before the diner opened and it was clear what people wanted, Louise said - friendly service, and low prices, as well as a young, modern setting.

And teenagers are definitely catching on to the healthy eating trend. "They all say 'I'm under 19, make sure it's half price'," said Tracey Smithies, customer service manager.

"They come out and £5 gets them a full meal and a drink with change left over. It's a good place for younger people to bring their friends, it makes them feel grown up."

The menu also includes properly prepared Halal dishes and a good range of vegetarian options. Staff will deliver sandwiches locally if orders are phoned to (01274) 570232, or faxed to 501724 - soon, orders will be able to be emailed.

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