The woman behind plans to build a centre celebrating Bradford's links with the world of spices has won an award for her vision.

Jan Smithies wants to turn the former Odeon cinema building into Spice!, a visitor attraction, and educational and research centre themed around spices, herbs and aromatics.

Today she is celebrating after receiving a £14,000 award from a leading body to support social entrepreneurs, which will help her to turn the vision into reality.

Mrs Smithies said the level two UnLtd Millennium Award would help towards further planning and development of the Spice! concept.

The plans for the centre will be officially unveiled at a launch party at Cartwright Hall in Lister Park, Bradford.

The project, which will also include commercial and retail elements, is expected to promote culture, health and the environment, and create hundreds of jobs. It links in with the ambitious master plan for the city centre drawn up by architects Will Alsop.

Mrs Smithies said she was delighted to receive the honour from UnLtd, becoming the first recipient in the region and one of just two from the north of England.

"I am delighted to have received this award, which will make a huge difference in helping to turn Spice! into reality," she said.

"Spice! has huge potential to contribute to the regeneration and promotion of Bradford and the wider region, as a great place, to live, learn, work and play."

Zulfiqar Ahmed, UnLtd's regional director for the north, said: "The project embodies what UnLtd is all about - individuals that use business ideas for social benefit."

The project has already been the subject of a feasibility study and has secured funding from Bradford Council, Yorkshire Forward, Bradford Vision and the four local Primary Care Trusts.

Mrs Smithies said the project would contribute to regeneration, job and skills expansion and boost the quality of life in Bradford and beyond.

"The momentum is really starting to build now the feasibility study has been completed," she said. "We are attracting interest and support from a wide range of bodies and individuals who all see the potential of Spice!"