BRADFORDIANS are being urged to do their bit for the local economy by becoming a 'tourist in their own town'.

Bradford Council wants locals and their families to discover the treasures on their doorsteps - including Bradford city centre's National Media Museum, the Keighley and Worth Valley railway, the heritage site of Saltaire, and the moors of Ilkley and Haworth.

The authority also points to its parks, gardens and museums - and added that visiting free attractions has a positive effect on the economy because people pay for travel, meals, refreshments and gifts.

Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley has just been named one of the most visited small free attractions by Visit England coming in at number 20 on the list. It drew in 65,119 visitors last year and is due for a £3.5m upgrade to the surrounding parkland.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the Council's executive member for Employment, Skills and Culture, said: "We all tend to take where we live for granted. There are probably places in the district which you've not visited in years just because they're on your doorstep and can go any time.

"So we're asking people to be a tourist at home and take a fresh look at a local gem.

"And if you've not been up to North Parade, why not have a night out up there? It's buzzing with new cafes, bars and restaurants, and a brewery to boot. It's just been named as one of three best city locations in the country, but needs people to vote for it to win the title. So go try it out and vote for Bradford."

The Council also pointed to a number of upcoming events in the district that people can enjoy, starting today in City Park with the Echoes of Oz show (see page 6 for full details).

Then, on October 24, the Little Lights Festival will transform Ivegate with a light show and music and food.

And, on October 30 and 31, there's a food and drink festival at Northgate/Rawson Road starring Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo and former Coronation Street star-turned-cheesemaker Sean Wilson, who played Martin Platt in the ITV soap.

Also, both the Alhambra Theatre and Saltaire Visitor Information Centre have been shortlisted in the White Rose Awards in 2014 and 2015.