A controversial German faith healer who claims to have raised the dead is to visit Bradford.

Reinhard Bonnke says he has brought a man back to life who had been certified dead for 48 hours, and healed a woman of the blindness she had suffered for 15 years.

A video called Raised from the Dead features testimony to the 2001 resurrection from witnesses.

Mr Bonnke, who is also a Christian preacher, will be speaking at the Abundant Life Church Rocknations youth conference in August.

He decided to devote his life to God at the age of nine, and worked as a missionary in Africa. He founded the international ministry of Christ for all Nations and has preached to audiences of more than a million people.

His books have been printed in 143 languages throughout the world.

The Reverend Nick Jones, chairman of Christian group Hope Bradford, said that the work of Mr Bonnke might not always be fully understood or appreciated.

He said: “He’s sometimes a controversial figure, with the amount of people that go to see him people can come away disappointed, if they expect to be healed and it doesn’t always happen.

“He is carrying on the work of Jesus. If you believe, like I do, that Jesus came back from the dead I certainly could conceive that somebody could be brought back from the dead nowadays, through Jesus’s power.

“The principle of it is amazing and I’m very pleased to say I’ll be attending the event.”

Founder of Rocknations Steve Gambill will also speak at the event held at the church in Wapping Lane.

Mr Gambill said: “When Mr Bonnke speaks to young people he will be encouraging, equipping and inspiring them with stories of his life and telling them that they can do anything.

“He is probably one of the most successful communicators that’s out there at the moment and he’s never been to Bradford before so we’re really excited.”

Mr Jones added that he expected the event to be a special occasion.

He said: “Sometimes where there is bad feeling, for example if a relationship breaks down, something happens spiritually when you can pray into that and people can become released from the bad feeling.

“It’s a really positive and special thing and lifting these curses is something Mr Bonnke does.

“He’s extraordinary.”

The conference is aimed at young people and youth leaders who work in churches.

Rock bands RPM and Bluetree, hip-hop outfit 29th Chapter and dance group Sacred will also perform.

The conference is from August 6 to 9 and is open to anyone over 14. Tickets can be bought at www.rocknations.com.

e-mail: tanya.orourke @telegraphandargus.co.uk