Help this year's civic appeal get ahead - by putting on a hat, preferably a silly one.

And getting one-up on the rest of us is Bradford Lord Mayor Choudhary Rangzeb, with this hat-trick.

He wants everyone to cap Friday, October 6, by sporting a jolly topper and supporting his Get Ahead Hat Day.

The day has been masterminded to raise funds for the appeal, which so far has brought in more than £10,000 to be split between the two chosen charities - Bradford Sport and Recreation Association for people with Disabilities and Born in Bradford.

Coun Rangzeb said as well as raising funds the day would be a brilliant way of bringing the district together in a celebration.

He said: "It will do the district good to have a bit of fun and have a laugh.

"Bradford people need to show themselves off more and enjoy being jolly. They are great people and should be proud.

"I hope the whole of Bradford will join in, schools, workplaces, shops - even at home."

People joining in will pledge £1 to wear a hat of their choice, said appeal officer Alexis Jenner.

"The sillier and more colourful the hat, the better," she said.

She is organising a mass photograph to be taken of everyone who meets up in Centenary Square on the day at 11.30am.

Prizes will even be up for grabs for the best headwear, she said.

Coun Rangzeb said he was thrilled with the appeal's progress so far and looked forward to seeing the total rise even more.

"We are doing well. I'm thrilled with all the hard work that the appeal committee is putting in, they're doing a tremendous job.

"There's lot of events coming up. The more people supporting us, the better. I'm hoping for a bumper year.

"They are two very good and worthy charities we are supporting. I would appeal to Bradford people to be as generous as they can and for those who are not able to be generous with money I'd ask them to be generous with their time and help us organise events."

Events coming up include a 60s and 70s night at the Cedar Court Hotel on Friday, September 22, and a Pirates of the Caribbean theme night on Friday, October 20, at the same venue.

Also being planned are a ten pin bowling competition, a sponsored bike ride, a golf day, and fundraising stands at City Hall's Heritage Day on Saturday, September 9, and at Saltaire Festival on September 16 and 17.

To find out more, contact the Lord Mayor's Appeal Office on (01274) 434965.