Local skywatchers have launched a bid to make Bradford the leading centre for UFO research in the UK.

The International UFO Research Network (IUFORN), based in the city, has published proposals to create a headquarters to examine reports of sightings around the country.

And the centre would be a magnet for tourists, employment and training, according to IUFORN founder member Russell Kellett, of Lidget Green, Bradford.

"Bradford is the epicentre of UFO sightings in the UK," said Mr Kellett who has been tracking mysterious flying objects since the age of five.

"We have hundreds of reports of sightings in the area. It's like the Area 51 in America which is famous for it.

"We've got to open this centre to show people because no-one else is bothered about research. If it wasn't for groups like ours all around the world basically the job would stop."

The centre would act as an international arena for the study of UFOs, handling sightings reports, photos and video footage. But it would also be open to the public offering exhibitions of related material, educational visits and coach trips to local UFO hotspots.

A website is also planned, along with a photographic unit to verify pictures and video tape, and a psychology section with a counselling team to help individuals deal with the impact of possible contact with UFOs.

IUFORN was established ten years ago, growing from informal meetings of friends and amateur scientists to a worldwide group of 30 investigators.

And Mr Kellett is quick to silence the sceptics.

"I'm a proof man and I'm not bothered what Joe Bloggs thinks as we've got professionals to check the evidence. People do say we don't have anything from outer space. We're not saying they're wrong but from a technical point of view, what we see is amazing."

Preferred sites for the centre include Little Germany, the Royds area or Allerton where reports of UFO sightings are common. A second choice would be Ilkley which is famous for the alleged sighting of the 'Ilkley spaceman', a small green figure spotted and photographed on the moor.

Mr Kellett has discussed funding with Bradford Council's regeneration department and now plans to make a grant application to Yorkshire Forward to set his plans in motion.

Councillor Dave Green, Chairman of the Regeneration Committee, said that an application would be considered along with other requests for cash.

He said: "We would need a lot of convincing to put hard-pressed public funds into such a scheme regardless of one's views on UFOs. We have got a lot of organisations that are looking for a grant."

A Yorkshire Forward spokesman confirmed that Mr Kellett's application would be considered in line with future developments but said it was to difficult to comment without knowing the detailed plans.

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