Bradford Council is poised to appoint dozens of ambassadors to sell the district across Britain and abroad.

A total of 50 people will be named by summer in the pioneering scheme to boost the district's image.

The ambassadors must be committed to singing the praises of Bradford. They will also be expected to move in influential circles and travel widely.

The appointments are a major extension of a pilot scheme set up two years ago.

Current ambassadors are Bradford-born international film producer Steve Abbott, Howard Bell, Group Chief Executive of Provident Finance Group, Judith Donovan, of Judith Donovan Associates, and Mohammed Ali, Chief Executive of QED.

Mr Abbott and Mr Bell played active roles in promoting Bradford at the successful North of Watford event last year.

The ambassadors have also "sold" Bradford in different parts of Britain and overseas.

The Council's economic strategy sub-committee will be asked next week to expand the scheme by appointing up to 50 new ambassadors. Community and business organisations and Bradford PR groups - which represent marketing professionals across the district - have already submitted nominations.

Sub-committee chairman Coun Tony Cairns said: "The scheme has been highly successful and over the next couple of months we will consider a shortlist of well-known figures representing different sectors of the community, including business, the arts, filming, education, tourism, sport and regeneration."

The new ambassadors will be formally appointed in summer at a reception given by Lord Mayor Coun Tony Miller. They will each be presented with a certificate and commemorative badge at the event, as well as receiving briefing on their unique roles.

T&A Opinion

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