A multi-million pound cinema due to open next month will devote two screens to Bollywood, it was announced today.

Odeon's biggest multiplex on the Phoenix Park leisure scheme in Thornbury also wants to recruit a Bollywood film fanatic who will give customers help and advice on the latest Asian films showing.

The cinema is already interviewing people who have applied for the "Barry Norman" type job of telling people about other films.

The Asian film line-up at the £5m 13-screen cinema includes productions such as Bichhoo, Jora Ka Chulan, Karobaar and the long-awaited Refugee, which has already brought feverish speculation from film-goers.

The film is directed by J P Dutta, famous for Band and stars Jackie Shroff, Tabu and Sunil Shetty.

Cinema manager Cliff Baille said: "The great thing about having so many screens is that we can showcase a wide range of cinema.

"After all, Bollywood film production far outstrips that of Hollywood. We expect the screenings to be a big hit with the Asian communities in both Bradford and Leeds."

Bradford could be set to be Britain's Bollywood capital with the latest boost.

A cinema dedicated to Bollywood is expected to be developed in Marlborough Road, and there are plans to show the films in the multiplex in the planned Vicar Lane leisure development.

Bollywood films are also being screened at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television four times a week.

And Asian films will be included in a cinema in the proposed redevelopment of Cannon Mills Shopping Village at Great Horton Road.

Retired Bradford councillor Mohammed Ajeeb - formerly Britain's first Asian lord mayor - welcomed the Odeon's decision.

He said: "It reflects the fact that Bradford is a multi-cultural city. It will help people to understand different cultures. I hope many white people will go to Bollywood films and vice-versa."