A public square will become a floodlit film set tomorrow - as 100 people become movie stars.

The public 'stars' will rub shoulders with more familiar names like Bradford Bulls star Robbie Paul and TV presenter Richard Whiteley at Glydegate Square as they create a major piece of public art.

Oscar-nominated British film director Peter Yates - whose credits include The Dresser and Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen - will be on the set.

And Monty Python producer Steve Abbott will also be among the big names involved in the project.

The cast will be videoed by a professional team walking in a choreographed sequence through the city centre square.

The image will be projected onto a giant screen on the side of a new caf kiosk in the square and, when it is finally up and running next February, passers-by will see themselves on screen with the 'ghostly' stars milling around them. The district's most amazing piece of public art will be named Extra and is expected to give a boost to Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Yorkshire-based artists Frances Hegarty and Andrew Stones have designed the project, which is the first of its type in Britain and supported by a £40,000 National Lottery grant.

Frances said: "The evening should prove interesting with a host of people, including doctors, police officers, nurses and local characters sharing the spotlight with the celebrities."

Steve Manthorpe, Capital of Culture project officer, said: "The district's magnificent film heritage is an important factor in the Capital of Culture bid and this film shoot aims to bring to life this innovative piece of public art."

It was also welcomed by Bradford Council leader, Councillor Margaret Eaton, who said: "This project focuses on celebrating Bradford's cosmopolitan life through images of people going about their everyday activities."

Filming will take place tomorrow from about 6.30pm, following a full rehearsal in the square