BRADFORD’S famous Alhambra Theatre is in the running for a national award for its friendly Yorkshire welcome.

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal currently holds the coveted title of most welcoming venue in the UK, in a major contest hosted each year by arts membership body UK Theatre.

Now people are being urged to bring the accolade to Bradford by backing the Alhambra in this year’s public vote.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, who leads on culture for Bradford Council, said she had already cast her vote and urged others to do the same.

“We are a Yorkshire city and we are warm-hearted Yorkshire folk and that’s what the Alhambra is. It’s a comfort blanket for the city," she said.

“We have got brilliant staff who are helpful and welcoming and we also have a really good programme of shows. Big up Bradford!”

The council-run venue is one of 11 theatres in Yorkshire and the Humber nominated for the accolade at the UK Theatre Awards.

The public vote is now open and will run until September 19, with a regional winner announced on September 29.

Twelve regional winners will then go head-to-head for the national title, with the overall winner revealed at an awards ceremony at London’s Guildhall on October 9.

Julian Bird, the chief executive of UK Theatre, said: "Theatres throughout the UK play a crucial role in the heart of our communities and continue to thrive despite the challenging financial climate.

"This award gives audiences a platform to show how much their venue means to them and celebrate the hard work of everyone who helps make a theatre run."

The Alhambra Theatre celebrated its centenary in 2014 and this year became the only venue outside London to host the hit musical Wicked, which closes its five-week run in Bradford this week.

While Newcastle holds the national accolade for friendliest welcome, Yorkshire and the Humber's title is currently held by Sheffield Theatres, which includes the city’s Crucible, Lyceum and Studio.

This group has been nominated again this year, alongside Leeds’ Grand Theatre and West Yorkshire Playhouse, Hull’s New Theatre and Truck Theatre, York’s Grand Opera House and Theatre Royal, Harrogate Theatre, the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.

Your votes can be cast at uktheatre.org/vote.