MESSAGES of support from around the world - and from stars of some of the world's biggest TV shows - have poured in for Bradford as it celebrates 10 years of being the first ever UNESCO City of Film.

A programme of events celebrating the 10th anniversary - which includes Channel 4's DIVERSE Festival; Screen Talks with industry professionals from films and TV shows such as Downton Abbey and Dr Who and Downton Abbey; and Bradford's first smartphone film festival - was unveiled tonight at the National Science and Media Museum.

The event included short films congratulating Bradford from representatives of other Cities of Film, including Bussan in South Korea and Santos in Brazil, as well as Bradford actor Enzo Cilenti, star of TV hits Game of Thrones and Luther, and Finn Cole of Peaky Blinders which has filmed in Bradford since the first series in 2013.

Bradford City of Film chairman Steve Abbott, said he wants everyone in the district to feel part of the UNESCO title.

The Bradford-born film producer, whose work includes A Fish Called Wanda, Brassed Off and Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, said: "When Bradford first got this title people said: 'It's only for a year', 'It's all UNESCO funding'. It's actually a designation that lasts forever, and it is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. From community cinema to big business, City of Film offers opportunities for all, and we want to hear what people want as we move forward into the next 10 years.

"I was born in Bradford and went to school here, and I have since lived in London and LA because of the career I wanted to pursue. I can tell you that, internationally, Bradford is held in very high esteem and is considered the one to emulate, among the other 12 Cities of Film across the world. These include Sydney, Rome and now Qingdao which is the Hollywood of China.

"I was very proud to be asked to be chairman of Bradford City of Film in 2009, and I'm prouder still that our achievements have exceeded our ambitions. This title belongs to the city - I want the people of Bradford to own this."

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, Professor Shirley Congdon, said: "As a university we pride ourselves with linking technology with everything we do. Large numbers of our graduates are forging careers in fields of arts, sciences and creative technologies. The achievements of City of Film helps us maximise opportunities for our students."

City of Film director David Wilson said: "Bradford is held in high regard in UNESCO Creative Cities. It's not just film. It's about education, business, inward investment and tourism. We use film as a vehicle to drive social and economic change."