THE Bishop of Bradford, Rt Revd Toby Howarth, has been selected as the new chair of Bradford's Stronger Communities Partnership Board.

The Board is a partnership between strategic leaders, the voluntary, private and faith sectors and local people who live in Bradford.

It's aim is to work together to achieve the district’s vision where all people living and working in Bradford District all "Get Along, Get Involved, Get On and Feel Safe."

Bishop Toby, selected after an open invitation for applications and a rigorous interview process, will start his role this month.

Thornton Gala to be sponsored by Robertshaw's farm shop

He said: "Bradford has developed an impressive programme of work in response to the Government’s national integration strategy.

"I count it a privilege to have been chosen to Chair the Partnership which will oversee this work, supported by able colleagues from the Council with a range of organisations and groups from across the District."

The Stronger Communities strategy is designed to increase opportunities for people from different backgrounds to mix together, increase their mutual understanding and respect, and to remove barriers that prevent people from taking full advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Steve Hartley, Bradford Council Strategic Director of Place, said: "We had a some great applications for the role and it’s fantastic that people with real skills and depth of experience want to freely give their time to lead this important Partnership.

"Bishop Toby has tremendous respect locally and nationally and will be a wonderful leader and facilitator as the Partnership looks to deliver its ambitious strategy.”