The Countess of Wessex is to be guest of honour at a special reception to launch the latest stage of Born in Bradford.

The groundbreaking study into children's health will be given the royal seal of approval when the Countess attends the event, in October, at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

City dignitaries and representatives from the health and business communities will be among those invited along.

Born in Bradford is one of the world's biggest research studies into children's health.

The Countess's visit marks the start of the recruitment of more than 10,000 pregnant women to the project.

The Countess Sophie and her husband, Edward, the Earl of Wessex, the Queen's youngest son, have a daughter Louise who will be three on November 8.

The little girl weighed just 41b 9oz when she was delivered prematurely by emergency caesarean section.

Barbara Jackson, senior fundraising manager with Born in Bradford, said organisers were delighted by the royal visit.

A fundraising ball for Born in Bradford will be held in the newly-refurbished Bradford Hilton on Saturday, November 11.

Organisers promise "a glitzy event" with a winter wonderland theme.

The project has a new logo and fresh promotional material is set to go out around the city.

Schools are taking part in an arts project taking Born in Bradford as its theme. Pupils' work will be displayed at an exhibition touring various venues in the city.

Born in Bradford is tracking the progress of 10,000 babies from birth until they are adults.

It is open to all mums-to-be who are in contact with Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Information gleaned will help to discover the cause of childhood diseases and how to work to improve the health of all babies born in the city.

The first Born in Bradford babies will arrive early next year.

The study has launched a £1m community fundraising appeal, backed by the Telegraph & Argus, towards the estimated £3m cost.

It is being co-ordinated by the Bradford Health Academy, a partnership involving Bradford Teaching Hospitals, the district's primary care trusts and the universities of Bradford and Leeds. Born in Bradford is supported by Bradford Council, Bradford Health and Equality Action Team and Bradford Vision.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said he was not able to confirm any arrangements for the Countess's visit until closer to the day.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "I am delighted that the Countess is coming to Bradford because this project involves all communities in the city and it is a groundbreaking initiative. The Countess lending it her support can only enhance it still further."

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