The deputy chairman of regional development agency Yorkshire Forward has been named chairman of the Bradford Property Forum.

Linda Pollard OBE has been chosen to lead the group which represents Bradford's property sector.

Her chairmanship was announced at the forum's second meeting, held at Bradford's Alhambra theatre.

Mrs Pollard takes over from Dr Harold Robinson, of Magellan Properties, who helped to establish the forum and has been serving as chairman in an interim capacity.

She will be joined by Mike Osborne, of Arup Consultants, who will be vice-chairman of the forum.

Mrs Pollard has strong links to the area. She was educated at Bingley Grammar School and lives in Addingham, near Ilkley.

She has previously chaired Bradford Teaching NHS Trust and currently serves as a Board member of Fair Cities Bradford.

Mr Osborne worked on the Airedale Masterplan as well as being involved in the design of the Bingley Relief Road. He is also involved in plans to rebuild Bradford Canal. A geologist and engineer by trade, Mike also served with the Royal Engineers.

More than 75 businesses and 150 people have joined the forum, from as far afield as Manchester, London and Leeds. The group was set up on the back of increasing interest in Bradford's regeneration and the opportunities being seen in the district's property development market.

For more information about Bradford Property Forum call (01274) 230057.