Historic Little Germany will be in the Royal spotlight at a private meeting with the Prince of Wales next month.

The unique former merchants' quarter, known as the jewel in Bradford's crown, is on the agenda at a seminar at Prince Charles's Highgrove House home next month.

The personal invitation to Council regeneration chief Councillor Dave Green follows the designation of Little Germany as an urban village, which could see millions of pounds of redevelopment cash pouring in to make it a vibrant community.

Only 20 areas across Britain have been awarded the prestige tag by the Urban Village Forum, which believes Little Germany could become a national model.

Bradford Council also hopes to get historic Goitside designated as an urban village.

The seminar, which will be attended by 60 delegates from across Britain involved in urban villages, has been organised by the Prince of Wales's Foundation for Architecture and the Urban Environment in partnership with the Urban Villages Forum.

The Prince, who is deeply involved in environmental issues and has in the past criticised modern architecture as "carbuncles" will be present at the event.

Organiser Melanie Laus said the Prince would take part in the forum and mix informally with delegates discussing their projects.

Mark Bolland, Deputy Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales has told Coun Green it will be for "frank and open discussion" about lessons which have been learned, building on successes and action for the future.

It is understood Bradford is the only Yorkshire local authority to be represented at Highgrove House.

Coun Green said: "I want to make sure the developments going on in Bradford are brought up at this high powered seminar attended by the Prince.

"I want to discuss the unique development opportunities at Little Germany and how we are linking it into other regeneration in the city."

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