A bold scheme to nurture sport in deprived inner-city Bradford was warmly welcomed at its launch today.

Little Horton and the University wards were today unveiled as areas to become a new Sports Action Zones - one of a number of multi-million pound schemes aiming to cut crime and tackle social problems.

The decision means a co-ordinator will assess the zone's needs before formulating any action and bidding for funding. As one of the new zones, the areas will enjoy priority status when applying for lottery cash.

Sport England, the group behind the project which focuses on the young, will pump £750 million into sporting schemes in the next decade - a "considerable amount" of which will go to the action zones.

At today's official launch at Manningham Sports Centre, Bradford City manager Paul Jewell said: "This can only be a great thing for this community. Recreational sport can have a very positive influence on people's lives and everyone should have access to this."

Mr Jewell added: "There will also be some talented sports people out there and better facilities and coaching will help them develop and be discovered."

The view was echoed by Bradford Bulls star Robbie Paul who added sports could help youngsters avoid temptations such as drugs and crime. "Across the world sports stars have often come from impoverished areas."

Robbie, who began playing rugby at four, added: "There is no doubt how important the grass roots level is. By getting children involved they can rise to the highest levels."

Ian Greenwood, the leader of Bradford Council and Little Horton ward representative, said: "I believe sport can form a window into a new world for many people and give them wider horizons.

"In ten years I would want to see Bradford as a crucible of world-class sport. To have one, two or three top sports people from the area could have a tremendous impact."

And he said: "I think sports is not peripheral to people's lives but can play a central part in the regeneration of the inner city."

Dave Heddon, Yorkshire's Sport England Regional Director, said the 12 zones - including Birmingham, Liverpool and inner city London - will be closely monitored before up to another 18 are created in the next decade.

"The first thing will be for a co-ordinator to assess what facilities are already here, what are used and what is needed."

Once it is complete an action plan for funding and development will be drawn up. Mr Heddon said existing facilities may be improved, new ones built as well as coaches and sports leaders introduced to the area. The scheme will work closely with local schools, sports and community groups, education leaders and social services.

As well as the £750 million lottery pot - of which Action Zones should receive a "considerable amount" - Mr Heddon said applications will be made to other funding sources.

Chris Smith, the Government's sports supremo, said: "Sport is not, of course, the solution to poverty and social exclusion, but it can make a very positive contribution to health and social well-being in these communities."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.