POLICE are encouraging football fans to make Bradford City's derby clash with Leeds United a sporting occasion to remember, as policing plans for the game are finalised.

The fierce soccer rivals have not played each other since 2011 when Leeds won a Carling Cup tie at Elland Road, 3-2.

The clubs meet again on Wednesday in the renamed Capital One Cup, with a crowd of 20,000 expected for the first match between the teams at Valley Parade since the Premiership game in 2000.

On that occasion more than 200 police officers and 100 stewards monitored the game to prevent any problems between rival fans. Most city centre pubs closed at the request of police.

West Yorkshire Police declined to discuss precise arrangements for policing next week's cup game, but said detailed plans had been drawn up with the clubs and the local authority to make sure the event goes smoothly.

Leeds fans have been allocated 3.500 tickets for the Midland Road stand.

The West Yorkshire force was upbeat yesterday, saying it was planning for a "safe end to West Yorkshire's summer of sport," and the

fixture provided a "tremendous opportunity to showcase Yorkshire and its internationally recognized passion for sport," following the hosting of the Tour de France and the success of Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers in making today's Challenge Cup rugby league final an all Yorkshire event.

Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan, the match commander, said: "This is clearly a significant sporting fixture for West Yorkshire in what has been a great summer of sport for the county.

"We have been working hard with our partners to ensure this event is safe and provides an opportunity for both the teams and the fans to make this game a real celebration of sport and ensure that Yorkshire is truly recognized as a sporting county on the world stage.

"The match has the potential to be a real sporting spectacle and an event that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

"The Tour de France was a huge success for the whole of Yorkshire and demonstrated how sport can galvanise communities."

He added: "Local officers will be on duty in Bradford and Leeds on Wednesday and are looking forward to playing their part in what should be an enjoyable day.

"We would encourage all fans to enjoy themselves, stay safe, and help us end a wonderful summer of sport on a real high."

Detailed planning is well under way for the game which has an evening kick off.

Officers have been working with partners in the clubs, local authorities and British Transport Police ahead of the game to ensure sufficient numbers of officers will be in place.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: "In the run up to events such as football matches our emergency planning and building control departments work with the police and other emergency services, to help ensure that events run as safely and smoothly as possible."