The director of Bradford City of Film will be flying the flag for cinema in the district by Royal appointment.

David Wilson has been invited to represent Bradford at a reception hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate British film.

The event, at Windsor Castle next month, is aimed at recognising those involved with the British film industry and its supporting creative industries.

Mr Wilson has been invited in his role as director of the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, the title bestowed on Bradford in 2009.

“I feel honoured to be representing Bradford City of Film at such a prestigious event and feel the invitation is a testament to the fact we are really starting to make a difference,” said Mr Wilson. “We are seeing a marked increase in film and TV production requests and this is good for the city. The work we are supporting in schools and in further and higher education deserves recognition.”

Mr Wilson became director of Bradford City of Film in 2011. Initiatives being developed in the district include a film literacy scheme in schools, and current projects include free Saturday family matinees on the Big Screen in City Park in the run-up to Bradford International Film Festival.

Bradford City of Film has also teamed up with Cine Yorkshire to run a Community Cinema project, bringing films to venues in urban and rural areas.

September will see the opening of Bradford’s film school, backed by City of Film. It is a partnership between Bradford College and Whistling Woods International, Aisa’s premier film, television, animation and media arts institute. Students will be able to study for degrees in film and animation, and spend time studying on the Whistling Woods campus in Mumbai.