Bradford firms have staved off the effects of a full-blown recession, according to the district's Chamber of Commerce.

Latest figures show that the district's firms are doing better and the sales trend is up at home and abroad .

The more optimistic view from local firms is mirrored nationally with the latest Gross Domestic Product figure which shows Britain looks set to escape an economic recession.

GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.1 per cent in the first three months of the year compared to the previous quarter.

The figures, from the Office for National Statistics, show GDP was up 0.7 per cent compared to the same period a year ago.

Mark White, the Chamber's policy and research executive, said today: "The outlook for Bradford is showing tentative signs of recovery. "

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