A BAR that will sell vinyl records, real ale and ham in Bradford city centre has got the go-ahead from planners.

The man behind the idea, Keith Wildman, hopes to have The Record Café, on North Parade, up and running within five weeks.

And one of his aims is to get Bradfordians who head to nearby cities for their leisure time, back into Bradford.

Records will be for sale on a mezzanine floor, above a long room featuring a bar with four real ales and a selection of craft beers, a charcuterie, and turntables for DJs to play music.

"I am excited," said Mr Wildman, 37, of Baildon. "It has taken some two or three months of waiting for planners and solicitors.

"I have been raring to go and it is great that something is finally happening."

He added: "North Parade is Bradford's best street. It is really exciting to be part of what is happening on North Parade."

Mr Wildman said he was inspired to create the bar after this year's Record Store Day, when he realised music fans should not have to travel out of the city to go record shopping.

"I used to go round Bradford all the time when I was younger and there were loads of record shops," he said. "I have had to go to Huddersfield, Manchester and Leeds for independent record shops. I thought there should be something in Bradford.

"I looked into it. Lots of record shops were doing something different and I thought a bar and record shop. I wanted to do three things but keep them really simple - and came up with vinyl, ale and ham.

"I think it will appeal to a lot of people. With vinyl records you are getting good stuff. I will be using Iberico ham, which is really good quality. And I am investing a lot of money in the beer cellar, so will have really good beer."

He added: "I am really proud of the beer cellar. People will be able to see into it through a window. You will be able to see exactly what is going on in there."

Mr Wildman also wants to get Bradford buzzing again. He said: "People in Bradford, over the last ten years, have been going to Leeds. It is about getting them back and making Bradford more appealing to people on the leisure side."

He added: "I just want it to be a really nice place where people can hang out, have a drink and something to eat, and listen to music."

Mr Wildman praised Bradford Council and its City Centre Growth Zone initiative, which he said was a "big help".

"It is the right time and the right place," said Mr Wildman. "The Council has been brilliant, the Growth Zone people have been brilliant, and the North Parade people have been brilliant."

A spokesman for the Council confirmed planning permission for the bar had been granted.