Plans are in the pipeline to encourage more tourists to Bradford from Germany.

A new flight to a major German airport is set to boost business and tourism across the Bradford district.

Bosses at Leeds-Bradford Airport are holding 'advanced talks' with a well-known airline and details of the flight are set to be announced next month.

The flight will allow Yorkshire businessman to fly direct to one of Germany's main economic centres.

At the same time, the flight could cash in on the northern European tourism market by enticing German tourists to the region.

Ed Anderson, managing director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: "It will be possible to sell tickets for the new flight at both ends because the Yorkshire Tourist Board is actively encouraging inbound tourism from Germany.

"We know a lot of people fly to Germany who originate in Yorkshire but can't fly from their local airport."

Mr Anderson said he had been working closely with major airlines to encourage them to introduce more business routes from Leeds-Bradford.

"We are actively trying to get a service to a major German Airport and we are very close to achieving that, so watch this space.

"We would like to see more business routes and Germany is the obvious gap. We're at an advanced stage."

It is understood the Yorkshire Tourist board is preparing to market the district to Germany and northern Europe.

A spokesman said: "Northern Europe has always been a strong target area for the Yorkshire Tourist Board and we would welcome more flights from Germany."

Tricia Tillotson, the Bradford district's tourism information manager, said: "It's very exciting. Leeds-Bradford Airport has been doing a fantastic job bringing people to the area.

"This will help bring extra visitors to the district which is fantastic news."

Geoffrey Rhodes, of the Shipley-Hamm Twinning Association, said: "Our members have flown out to Germany before and we have had German visitors who have flown here, but they have always had to use Manchester Airport.

"If they start a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, that would definitely be beneficial to us."

The Germany flight would be among seven new routes from Leeds Bradford Airport set to be introduced this year.