A plan to create Bradford's first Christian pub has failed at the first hurdle.

A group of Christians put in a bid for the Bradford City Band Working Men's Club, in New Otley Road.

But the news has come back that one of the 11 other firms which competed for the venue pipped them at the post.

The Rev Robin Gamble, who was one of the Christians involved, said: "This has been a major disappointment to everybody. But it's not deflated us. We feel that the response we got from the people of Bradford was so strong it's encouraged us to keep going.

"We begin today to look around for other places, pubs or clubs that need a new lease of life, that are down on their uppers and need a new beginning."

Funds for the purchase were raised through donations and the buying of shares.

Mr Gamble said all the financial supporters were being told of the outcome and being offered the option to have their money back.

"We are gradually contacting them and we believe the majority of people will stick with it."

The club, and former home of the Bradford City Brass Band, was on the market for £125,000.

The name of the successful bidder will not be released until contracts have been exchanged.

Mr Gamble said: "One particular disappointment was that so many old members of the club had contacted us and wanted us to get it, we feel we have let them down a bit. All I can say is we did our best and put together a terrific bid and we only had six weeks to do it in.

"It's made us more determined for the next one. We are looking for something in inner Bradford. We want to create a place with a wonderful welcome, warm, caring atmosphere with a brightness about it which local people will really enjoy going to."

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