More than 30 new businesses have been set up in the south Bradford area thanks to a pioneering project aimed at getting the long-term unemployed back into work.

Phoenix Fund, run by the Royds Community Association, has given grants and support to 36 new firms since it was launched in June 2001.

And it is credited with creating at least 60 new jobs in the Royds area, centring on the Buttershaw, Delph Hill and Woodside estates.

The project, which secured funding from the West Yorkshire Enterprise Agency, provides budding entrepreneurs with a start-up grant and advice on drawing up business plans and marketing. It targets those who have been out of work for long periods of time.

Some of the businesses set up include a beauty salon, decorators, security firm, computer consultants, and a horse stables and livery.

Mike McKay, community enterprise development officer for the Phoenix Fund, said the new firms had achieved a survival rate which bettered the national average for new start-up businesses.

"I think the combination of financial support and advice has helped us to over-achieve in all the targets that we set ourselves," he said.

"It helps that we have a background in the area and know the community that we are serving and people have soon got to find out about what we are doing.

"I think those that have got involved have a lot of drive and determination and they are saying that they want to go for something they never before thought possible."

Roy Priestley, who set up his own tattoo and body piercing studio called Skinshokz in Wyke, paid tribute to the Phoenix Fund staff.

"It is the whole package that they offer," he said. "The business plan assistance, finding the premises, and all the admin support."

Other businesses which were supported included Granville Thompson's new band which goes under the name Granny Thompson's Big Bald Head.

For information about the project, call Mr McKay on (01274) 414311.