Bradford City joined Premier League champions Manchester United and fellow top flight club Bolton Wanderers to become only the third professional football club in the world to achieve a top international standard for its green credentials.

City took action to curb its carbon footprint and was awarded the Carbon Trust Standard which recognises only those organisations which have achieved real carbon reduction.

The club earned the accolade after measuring, managing and reducing its carbon footprint by nearly 15 per cent. Club bosses say the resulting cost savings will release extra funds to help strengthen the team under new manager Peter Jackson.

The club’s achievement also marked a first for the Carbon Trust Standard as the cost of the assessment process was sponsored by local company Pitts Wilson Electrical to help City overcome its financial constraints and achieve the award.

l Thousands of hopefuls applied for just 20 jobs at a new footwear outlet due to open in the city next month.

Discount retailer Shoesave Superstore is opening on a site on Manningham Lane once occupied by Wood’s music shop.

It is one of several new developments set to brighten up the city’s flagging retail scene and create jobs, including a pet food store, music shop and doughnut maker.

Work has begun on converting the premises originally occupied by Wood’s music shop and later an electrical retailer, which has stood empty for some time.

Shoesaver general manager Steve Alletson said the new store was a big move for the group, which already has outlets in Keighley and Batley.

“Bradford is a big place and we believe the time and market is right for a discount store. We are creating 20 full and part-time jobs and the response has been overwhelming.”

l Bradford’s new civic head took time out of her mayor-making to persuade an international airline maintain a direct service to Pakistan.

New Lord Mayor of Bradford Coun Naveeda Ikram met with senior officials of Pakistan International Airline, who were attending her installation to persuade them to keep the Wednesday and Saturday flights between Leeds-Bradford International Airport and Islamabad.

l Troubleshooting boss Allan Leighton joined the board of Saltaire-based digital TV technology group Pace Plc and is set to become chairman this summer.

The former Asda boss will take over from outgoing chairman Mike McTighe, who is standing down after a decadce on the board and five years as chairman.

City commentators saw the move as one to steady the Pace ship after the world’s number one set top box firm issued a warning about the prospects for 2011 profits.