Bradford Chamber of Commerce & Industry members suffered mixed fortunes in the first quarter of the year.

A survey of the Chamber's 1,000 members has shown a slight fall in sales for firms in the district, with a more distinct decline in exports.

Despite this, employment levels were not expected to suffer in the next quarter, and confidence among businesses remained high. Policy Executive Mike Cartwright said: "The results could have been better, although the returns do reflect the national news of late."

The survey, carried out in February and March, showed companies remained concerned about competition, but had continued to invest.

The Chamber ruled out any substantial link between the downturn in trade and the foot and mouth outbreak