A string of free-to-use cash machines will be installed across Bradford to help poorer communities escape rip-off charges.

The Government has published a progress report on its push to place hundreds of free ATMs in poorer areas of the country.

It acted, alongside the LINK network, after complaints that many low-income residents were having to pay between £1.50 and £1.70 every time they withdrew their own cash.

Bradford has been earmarked for 15 free-to-use cash machines.

One is expected to be fitted in the Post Office on Wharncliffe Drive in Woodhall Hills.

A further free machine is expected to be in the Leaventhorpe Post Office in Thorton.

Both are under consultation and it is hoped they could be live within six months.

The search is also on for three suitable locations for an additional machine in Woodhall Hills, Norwood Green and Middleton.

Ed Balls, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: "Opening bank accounts and having access to financial information and products enables people to manage their finances better.

"These new free cash machines will help individuals on low incomes to access financial services as easily and cheaply as possible."

Currently 96 per cent of cash withdrawals are made at free machines, with the remaining four per cent made at about 26,000 charging machines across the UK.

Operators have been asked to improve signs so customers can see at a glance whether a machine is free or charging.