Education bosses are to travel to the sub-continent in a bid to improve links between Bradford and Pakistan.

A fact-finding delegation from the city will try and enhance a "special" relationship which has already been boosted by Pakistani-cricket

legend Imran Khan who has taken up the chancellorship of Bradford University.

The trip on November 20 could lead to twinning, exchange programmes and university accredited courses running in Pakistan, which in turn will aid integration in Bradford.

The mission aims to help Pakistani students coming to university in Bradford, spouses, and immigrant workers.

Javed Bashir, fellow at University of Bradford said: "70 per cent of the Bradford's Pakistani community comes from these areas and have close links with family there. British courses will help people coming here adjust and integrate better. Bradford University has no formal links with Pakistan. And since Imran Khan was made chancellor of the University, we want to enhance this special relationship."

Mr Bashir was made honorary fellow at the university last month.

He is achievement forum co-ordinator at Education Bradford, encouraging people to take up adult learning.

Bradford students will benefit from volunteer opportunities and industry experience in South Asia.

Representatives from University of Bradford and Education Bradford will make up the team, which will tour Mirpur in Kashmir, Islamabad and Lahore.

Through workshops and visits to schools, colleges and universities, the group will look at the scope for creating links between institutions in both countries.

The team includes Nadira Mirza and Janet Scrimgeour of University of Bradford, Stan Gerwitz of Bradford Confeder-ation and Mr Bashir.

They will be hosted by the British High Commission and the Pakistani Minister for Higher Education.

Mrs Mirza said: "We expect to develop positive working relationships which will be of mutual benefit. We hope that through visiting schools, colleges and universities we will be able to identify realistic, specific, long term ways to offer assistance and support."

Mr Gerwitz added: "We will be looking at the ways in which we can collaborate in providing consistent education and career pathways for Bradford children, young people and others who move between the two communities. "