SCENES from much-loved films and TV dramas, from Billy Liar to Emmerdale, will appear on a virtual tour of the district’s filming heritage.

Going live on Facebook today, the tour uncovers more than 100 years of film and TV production in Bradford, the world’s first UNESCO City of Film.

The interactive presentation, by City of Film director David Wilson, takes an online journey to locations across the district, from Bradford’s earliest surviving film footage to cinema classics Billy Liar, Room at the Top and The Railway Children and TV hits The English Game and Peaky Blinders.

“I have conducted this tour many times for members of the public and for visitors from across the world,” said Mr Wilson. “Now I would like to welcome everyone to enjoy the experience from the comfort of their homes, and be pleasantly surprised by Bradford’s rich and long standing film heritage.”

The Bradford district has a long association with film, going back to the dawn of the moving image in the late 1800s, and has been a backdrop for countless productions over the years.

Locations such as Little Germany, Saltaire, City Hall, Undercliffe Cemetery, Bradford Club, Haworth, Dalton Mills and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway have had starring roles in movies, TV classics, soaps and documentaries.

Filming here has boomed in recent years, thanks largely to Bradford’s City of Film team. And this had boosted film tourism, with guided tours proving particularly popular. Mr Wilson said Peaky Blinders tours of Bradford city centre have drawn people from across the UK, quickly selling out.

Last year a special walking tour of film locations showcased a book of poetry, Reel Bradford, inspired by the district’s filming heritage. The tour featured readings at the National Science and Media Museum and City Hall, where Room at the Top, Peaky Blinders, Victoria, The ABC Murders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale have all filmed in places such as the old courtroom and police cells and the Lord Mayor’s office.

Last year - Bradford’s 10th anniversary as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film - saw “virtually non-stop production”, says Mr Wilson, including high end TV dramas, Netflix series and large-scale feature films. The Bradford Film Office plays a key role in supporting productions; helping out with locations, office space, hotels, local crew, extras and the logistics of filming in public places.

* Bradford City of Film’s free virtual film and TV tour is at facebook.com/bradfordcityoffilm today at 11am.