by Emma Clayton Leisure and Lifestyle Editor The memories of mill workers who migrated to Bradford from around the world after the Second World War are to be recorded for a history project Bradford theatre company Freedom Studios has received a £41,900 award from Heritage Lottery Fund for The Mill – City of Dreams, aimed at conserving stories of immigrants who worked in the city’s textile mills. Freedom Studios, in Little Germany, is working with schools and groups recruiting 20 young people aged eight to 18 to be trained in interview techniques. They will then collate stories and memories of both the immigrants and indigenous people who worked in Bradford’s textile mills after 1945. The youngsters will also be taught photography skills to create an exhibition of participants’ portraits and stories based around the theme of identity. The exhibition will tour the Bradford district in summer 2011.

Deborah Dickinson, creative producer of Freedom Studios, said: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is going to support this important project.

“The Mill – City of Dreams will help to preserve the stories and experiences of generations of people from Bradford for years to come.

“Over the next six months we will be working with people from the Ukrainian, Polish, Pakistani, Italian, Afro-Caribbean and indigenous communities to celebrate the city’s rich heritage and promote understanding between the different generations.”

Interviews with 60 mill workers will be recorded, then archived and made available to the public at the West Yorkshire Archive Service at Bradford Library.

The Mill – City of Dreams is aimed at understanding the roots of communities in Bradford today, opening up a dialogue between people of different generations and ethnic backgrounds living here, and enabling them to celebrate and preserve their heritage.

“Understanding the history of immigration to the city is vital to celebrating the rich and vibrant culture that exists,” said Miss Dickinson.

Fiona Spiers, head of Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “The mill industry has shaped the geographical, architectural and cultural heritage of Bradford.

“This exciting project will train young people to capture the memories of the former mill workers, preserving this unique heritage by bringing its stories to life.”

Any former mill workers wishing to take part in the project are asked to ring (01274) 730077 or visit the website, freedomstudios.co.uk.