Business leaders across the district are keeping their fingers crossed that Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008 will be successful.

The bid, which is being taken to London by the city's Capital of Culture team on March 26, will be assessed by an independent panel appointed by Tessa Jowell, secretary of state for culture, media and sport.

Businesses across the district have placed themselves firmly behind the bid - which is hoped will see Bradford chosen above rivals including Belfast and Birmingham.

The status, which was granted to Glasgow in 1990, is allocated to a city for the period of one year.

Glasgow's image was boosted beyond recognition when it was chosen in 1990.

The city was regenerated and business has been booming ever since - a phenomenon which Bradford's business community hopes to see repeated here.

Sandy Needham, director of the city's Chamber of Commerce, said: "Bradford's been punching below its weight and is currently being caught out by being in the shadow of Leeds."

The bid would "demonstrate Bradford is a sound place to invest and locate for businesses".

A shortlist of UK cities bidding to Capital of Culture 2008 will be drawn up in September, and those backing the bid are confident Bradford will be on it.

Lord Puttnam, who is chair of the bid, said: "I think the reason we will win is because it is far more crucial that Bradford gains the status, than any of the other serious contenders.

"The impact will be far greater on Bradford, a factor I think will be taken into account by those making the decision."

Businesses across the district are now flying the flag of support for the bid, which they see as not only boosting the economy but also restoring civic pride in the area.

Geoffrey Richmond, chairman of Bradford City Football Club, agrees with this sentiment.

He said "A successful bid could have a dramatic effect on the city and result in civic pride. I believe Bradford deserves to win."

Tim Hindley, chief executive of Bradford Breakthrough, added: "All of our members are firmly committed to the district's wellbeing, and to ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are shared across its various communities.

"We see the City of Culture - both the prize of being awarded it in 2008 and the process of developing our bid - as helping encourage a sense of belonging and confidence within Bradford and greater recognition externally for the districts many achievements and undoubted future potential."

Capital of Culture campaign director Paul Brooks said: "A successful bid will take the region forward into a new era of renewal and regeneration and will not only be a boost for the Bradford district - there will be knock on effects across the region."