Fast-growing hi-tech firms in Bradford are being given a chance to expand further, thanks to £2.5 million of European funding.

The Media-Tech project, which is being led by Bradford University, has won the money from the European Regional Development Fund.

It is part of £24 million the fund awarded to schemes in Yorkshire and Humberside.

The pot includes £1.4 million to develop potential industrial sites in Brad-ford and a further £2.3 million for tourism and leisure projects.

The aim is for firms to take on extra staff as they expand by increasing their use of various types of hi-tech equipment.

Bradford University is one of a number of partners involved in the project.

Others include Bradford Technology, Bradford & Ilkley Community College, Business Link Bradford & District and organisations from Wakefield and Sheffield.

The scheme will help hi-tech and other firms enhance their use of multi-media to boost their businesses.

And the cash will be used to target the service, medical, manufacturing, construction, educational and entertainment industries.

The project's three main objectives are:

to help create jobs in firms in Objective 2 areas

to improve the range of multi-media used by local companies

to help make local firms more competitive

Professor George Stylios, of Bradford University, said today: "We want to enhance the job chances of people in the region by supporting the provision of high-level skills development making use of multi-media technology."

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