The judge who has helped put more than 50 Bradford rioters behind bars is to receive one of the highest civic honours the city can bestow.

Judge Stephen Gullick will make history by becoming the first Honorary Recorder to be chosen by Bradford Council.

The honour is being awarded to mark his appointment as Bradford's new circuit judge but also recognises the stiff sentences he has imposed on dozens of rioters so far jailed for bringing chaos to the streets last July.

Judge Gullick has delivered tough justice with prison sentences of up to five-and-a-half years for many of the violent offenders.

The sentencing has put him in the national spotlight as people involved in the disturbances - which resulted in more than 300 police officers being injured - appeared in his courts.

Around £10 million damage was caused during the disturbances and West Yorkshire Police Authority was left to pick up most of the bill. More than 200 people have been arrested in connection with the trouble and 108 people have so far been charged with riot.

Proposals to make Judge Gullick Honorary Recorder are expected to be supported by all parties at Tuesday's full Council meeting.

Like Freemen of the City - including Dave Hockney- it will be a ceremonial role.

It will involve taking part in major civic affairs like Royal visits. He will not sit on committees or take part in meetings.

But the Council believes the honour will cement its links with the justice system, show it backs the judge's tough stance and help the community understand how judges work.

A special civic ceremony will be held to bestow the award - which Judge Gullick has indicated he will accept if it is agreed with the Council.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said she welcomed the transparent and clear sentencing framework pursued by Judge Gullick as he dealt with people connected with the disturbances.

She added: "He has been very high profile and people recognise the contribution he has made to the Bradford district. This is the least we can do."

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said: "I welcome this appointment and believe it will be an asset to Bradford to have a recorder.

"I believe it will strengthen the already good relations between the Council and courts."

Labour councillor Ralph Berry, who originally pressed for the appointment, said: "We get a lot of stick for being indulgent and irrelevant and it is a sensible way forward.

It is a way of bringing together the civic structure and judiciary. It is important we use the links."

Judge Gullick was called to the Bar by Gray's Inn in 1971, called to sit as Assistant Recorder in 1986, Recorder in 1990 and a Circuit Judge in 1998. He became Senior Resident Circuit Judge for Bradford last July.

Judge Gullick declined to comment about the award until a decision is taken by the Council.