Community projects across the district are to receive royal acclaim for their contribution to the community.

Thirteen Bradford schemes have been chosen to receive the HRH Duke of York Community Initiative Award in recognition of their work with vulnerable groups including disabled people, the elderly and families in need.

The award, to be presented by Prince Andrew at a ceremony in York on Thursday, was set-up in 1997 to reward groups in Yorkshire and the Humber for their work to encourage community spirit.

And this year more than half the applications received were awarded to Bradford groups.

The Hindu Cultural Society of Bradford was one of the projects chosen for its running of a day centre on Leeds Road.

The centre for disabled people and the elderly offers transportation, a three-course meal, qualified carers and access to the internet and satellite television.

Project co-ordinator Rajeev Dewedi said: "It is very important to give something back to society and this project is about creating community spirit by bringing people to one platform so they will not feel rejected by society.

"We all really appreciate the award. It is recognition for what we do and it will encourage us to work even harder."

Bradford Gingerbread Centre was also selected for the award for its home child care project.

The means-tested scheme which provides lone-parents with home nannies around the clock was set-up in Bradford two years ago as the first project in the country.

Dawn Catley, centre manager, said: "It fills the child care gap for lone-parents who might have to work shifts or want to attend a night class to give them more choices in life.

"We are very proud to be receiving the award because it will help raise the profile of the project and it is also nice for the people who work so hard here."

Other projects to benefit from the award, which also includes a £100 donation by the Yorkshire Society, are Bradford Cancer Support, Bradford Cathedral Centre, Bradford South and West Live at Home Scheme, Buttershaw Christian Family Centre, Holme Christian Care Centre, Idle Baptist Church and Community Centre, Millan Centre, Bradford & Airedale Mental Health Advisory, The Salvation Army in Holme Wood, Shipley Leisure Library and Windhill Futures Project.

Major-General Henry Woods, of the HRH Duke of York Community Initiative, said: "The organisations chosen are so clearly catering for their local communities and also give their beneficiaries a say in describing their needs which the organisations then take steps to meet."