Bradford is the region's most important target for regeneration and vital to helping transform the rest of Yorkshire, says the regional development agency.

It is why Yorkshire Forward has chosen Bradford to take a major part in helping to reshape the region's economy at a key event next week.

The city is to hold one of five consultation meetings on May 17 to help formulate "an imaginative and robust blueprint for economic success" over the next decade.

"If you could choose one city to transform in the region it would be Bradford," said Les Newby, Yorkshire Forward's head of strategy. "If we could work with Bradford to get a good economy and a fantastic city, it would make a bigger difference to the region than any other city. Bradford is important in helping to shape the region."

Mr Newby said that despite its status as Yorkshire's third largest city, historically Bradford had not done as well as rivals Leeds and Sheffield.

"It's a massive city in terms of population and catchment as well as the impact it can make," he said.

Mr Newby said the two key areas which could help the city turn the corner were increasing the skills base and improving the environment and image.

"There's an excitement around the new vision for Bradford to help transform it and make it a place where people want to live, work and invest," added Mr Newby.

Yorkshire Forward chairman Terry Hodgkinson said it was vital for individuals and groups from Yorkshire and Humber to become fully involved in the consultation process which marked a pivotal period for the region's economic future.

"The Regional Economic Strategy does not belong to Yorkshire Forward, it belongs to everyone in Yorkshire," he said. "It is therefore very important that people have their say.

"These events are open to partners and public alike and I would encourage full participation so that we can get the strategy right.

"Yorkshire's economy is growing faster than the European average and our best companies are showing every day how to compete with the world's best. But we need more successful businesses, and we need to help people running those businesses to have a head start by making Yorkshire the best place to do business in the world."

Further details about the event at the Cedar Court Hotel are available at www.yorkshire-forward.com or by calling the events team on 0113 234 9211.