Bradford's top-ranking police officers today predicted that the city's Capital of Culture bid could help heal wounds left by the city's riots.

Assistant Chief Constable Greg Wilkinson said working towards the prestigious award would help communities bond under a common goal - and recognise their similarities rather than their differences.

Bradford police chiefs threw their weight behind his comments, pledging to give the bid all the practical support they could.

They are hoping that, even if it is unsuccessful, the exercise could help reverse the negative publicity generated by Brad-ford's devastating riots last July.

Millions of people around the world watched television footage of the bloody violence in the Manningham area which left millions of pounds worth of damage and more than 300 police officers injured.

Giving the campaign his personal backing, ACC Wilkinson said: "West Yorkshire Police fully support the bid for Bradford to be European Capital of Culture 2008 and are keen to provide whatever tangible support we can."

He added: "Not only will the bidding process provide a unique opportunity to attract investment to the city, but it will also provide a critical opportunity to focus on all the positive aspects of our diverse and rich cultural mix."

He said even if the bid was unsuccessful, valuable lessons could be learned from working towards the goal.

"The benefits that will accrue from becoming the Capital of Culture are significant and should be seen by all faiths and cultures within Bradford as a common focus towards which we can work together," he said.

"In working together towards this common aim, we can learn far more about each other and about the many things we have in common rather than the few things that separate us."

And Chief Superintendent Phil Read, divisional commander of Bradford North - which saw the worst violence from the riots on July 7 - added: "There are far more positive than negative things happening in Bradford. You only have to look at the Mela to see we can have thousands of people together celebrating something good."

"Obviously I would like to see a successful bid but the process itself will help us focus on these good things that I know are already there."

The district's race relations officer, Inspector Martin Baines, added: "I am proud to be a Bradfordian, having been born and raised in this city.

"I feel there is a great deal to celebrate in Bradford's diverse culture and rich history. If this bid is successful it will not only celebrate this richness but also act as a huge boost to the city as a whole."