A former Bradford Lord Mayor will be revisiting his days at City Hall to help conduct tours of the historic site.

Councillor Stanley King is hosting the tours as part of Bradford Council's Bradford City Centre Guided Walks Programme.

The events offer visitors the chance to look inside Bradford's impressive historic buildings including City Hall which opens its doors to the public this Saturday.

"The City Hall tour is known as 'the Civic Pride tour' and it is the most popular in the Bradford City Centre Guided Walks Programme," said Coun King.

He said the tour offers a rare chance for people to see the Civic Rooms, the Council Chamber and the Victorian law court which is often used by film crews for television dramas.

Coun King said: "This is a great chance for people to learn about the fascinating history of this city - once the wool trade centre of the world.

"We have found in the past that the public loves to look round City Hall and they can also see the beautiful silverware donated to the city over the years which is now on permanent display.

"City Hall is as impressive inside as it is outside and because it is so popular and numbers are limited so advance booking is strongly recomm-ended."

Other guided walks included in the programme are of Little Germany, Bradford Cathedral and City Centre Heritage.

"On the Little Germany tour walkers can take in the magnificent architecture while learning the history of this former Merchants' Quarter," said Rachel Timbers, Tourism Information Supervisor.

"Bradford Cathedral is the city's hidden gem. Dating back to the 15th century, its treasures include windows by William Morris, embroidery and statues by Ernest Sichel and sculptures by Flaxman."

The City Centre Heritage tour centres on the three original streets of the city - Kirkgate, Ivegate and Westgate - and visitors can see the former site of the old dungeon and spy the heads of the great and the good on the surrounding architecture.

"Walks will go ahead come rain or shine, so please be prepared for the weather," said Miss Timbers.

The schedule for the walks is:

l Saturday, July 16 - Civic Pride

l Saturday, July 23 - City Centre Heritage

l Wednesday, July 27 - Bradford Cathedral

l Saturday, July 30 - Little Germany

l Saturday, August 6 - City Centre Heritage

l Wednesday, August 10 - Little Germany

l Saturday, August 13 - Civic Pride

l Wednesday, August 17 - City Centre Heritage

l Saturday, August 20 - Little Germany

To join a walk, simply turn up on the day or ring the Tourist Information Centre to reserve a place on (01274) 433678. Ticket prices are £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for concessions.