With glorious weather forecast for the Easter weekend thousands of people are expected to descend on some of the Bradford district's main attractions.

And because many restrictions on areas affected by the ravages of foot and mouth disease last year have now been lifted, there are plenty of tourist spots to visit, exhibitions to see and activities to take part in.

Executive member for the environment, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, is hoping that people will take advantage of the district's attractions over Easter.

"This is the start of the new year as far as tourism is concerned," she said. "We do need people to come back into the countryside and the more the better is the message.

"So my advice is to get your walking boots on as there is so much there for you all to enjoy."

For those who fancy saving the world and playing with hi-tech gadgets, the Bond, James Bond exhibition at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television offers visitors the opportunity to become part of the world's best-known movie phenomenon.

Action of the big-topped variety is coming to Peel Park as clowns, jugglers and trapezists from the Netherlands National Circus bring their show to Bradford for Easter.

People wanting a quieter time can visit Ilkley on Easter Monday and admire the Easter Bonnet Parade, at the Ilkley Tourist Information Centre.

Historian and Councillor Stanley King is leading a guided walk around Bradford's City Hall on Saturday. The walk is a chance to gain an insight into one of Bradford's most impressive buildings, including the Civic rooms, Council chamber and the famous Victorian court. Walkers should meet outside the Tourist Information Centre at 2.30pm.

The Bronte Parsonage in Haworth is open as usual over the weekend and has a special treasure hunt and story telling sessions running.

Children of all ages can spend a day out with the ever popular Thomas The Tank Engine on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

There is an Easter Egg trail for children aged between three and nine in the grounds of the National Trust's East Riddlesden Hall tomorrow.

Bracken Hall Countryside Centre in Glen Road, Shipley, has organised a three mile Easter Family Walk round Shipley Glen on Saturday.

Almost all of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's footpaths are open for walkers who can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Dales.

Further information on attractions and footpaths in the Yorkshire Dales can be obtained by visiting the website www.destinationdales.org.