WE may be biased- but we think Bradford is pretty fantastic.

As well as being a culturally rich and diverse city, it has also made its stamp on history producing some top inventions and also producing some world firsts.

Here are just six things that the Bradford district gave the world- how many did you know about?

1. Free school dinners

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On 28 October 1907 Green Lane Primary, Bradford was the very first school in the country to serve hot school dinners to its pupils. 750 children enjoyed scotch barley broth, fruit tart, bread and water.<br><br>Take part in National School Meals Week 👉 <a href="https://t.co/3Z6WLb4re2">https://t.co/3Z6WLb4re2</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NSMW18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NSMW18</a> <a href="https://t.co/lwhDm9SkJg">pic.twitter.com/lwhDm9SkJg</a></p>— Bradford Council (@bradfordmdc) <a href="https://twitter.com/bradfordmdc/status/1062344616689745920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

(Twitter/Bradford Council)

Bradford is believed to have been the first UK city to give to offer disadvantaged children free school meals.

The first meal was served at Green Lane Primary School in Manningham and consisted of scotch barely broth and a fruit tart- a far cry from the diverse menu we are used to today.

Margaret McMillan was an instrumental figure in getting free school dinners approved.

While she wasn’t born in Bradford, she did move here with her sister in 1892.

She became a member of the school’s board in the city and helped to reform and improve the city’s education system.

In 1906, parliament passed The Provision of Meals Act which was designed to give free school meals to all children.

2. A really good curry

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Members from the Bradford community resturant owners & councilors all celebrated winning the curry capital of the country, FRONT LtR Javed Iqbal, Shabir Hussain, Mohammed Rafiq, Faisal Hussain, & Kevin Butterworth. AG rep HPMembers from the Bradford community resturant owners & councilors all celebrated winning the curry capital of the country, FRONT LtR Javed Iqbal, Shabir Hussain, Mohammed Rafiq, Faisal Hussain, & Kevin Butterworth. AG rep HP

Bradford was named Britain’s Curry Capital of Britain six years in a row.

The city picked up the prestigious prize every year between 2011 and 2016.

Akbar’s at Thornbury, Aakash in Cleckheaton, Kipling’s at Greengates and Shimla Spice in Keighley, were all chosen to represent the district back in 2016.

3. The Bradford sling

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Gerry Marsden trying on the new burns sling with David Sharpe, Lawrence West, managing director Bradford University Research Ltd, Patsey Rochester, Pamela Bradley, Deborah Staite, Rose Hird and Barbara SpencerGerry Marsden trying on the new burns sling with David Sharpe, Lawrence West, managing director Bradford University Research Ltd, Patsey Rochester, Pamela Bradley, Deborah Staite, Rose Hird and Barbara Spencer

If you have ever suffered a serious arm or hand injury you might have used the Bradford sling without even knowing it.

Acclaimed Bradford surgeon, Professor David Sharpe, developed the Bradford sling while working at the University of Bradford.

The idea came when he was a newly qualified plastic surgeon and a fire broke out at Bradford’s City Valley Parade.

The fire occurred on 11 May 1985 and killed 56 people.

He was treating more than 200 people who had suffered burn in the disaster and found that conventional fabric arm slings couldn’t keep swelling down while also keeping the arm elevated.

The simple design is made from foam and Velcro; it can be suspended by the patient’s bed or held against the patient’s body.

It has revolutionized the management of hand injuries worldwide.

4. The trolley bus service

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford's last trolley bus. Picture taken 24th March 1972 L-R Driver Mr F Kelly and Conductor Mr A CoatesBradford's last trolley bus. Picture taken 24th March 1972 L-R Driver Mr F Kelly and Conductor Mr A Coates

Do you remember Bradford’s trolley buses?

They were a common sight in Bradford for over 60 years and the city became famous for them.   

Bradford’s last trolley bus left the city center in 1972- it was also the last authority to get rid of them in favour for motor buses.

While many know that Bradford was the last authority to stop using them- did you also know that they were the first?

The first trolley bus had made its debut on the Laisterdyke to Dudley Hill run on June 1, 1911.

Trams, which ran on tracks, had been popular for some time previously, but the trolley bus had the advantage of running on pneumatic tyres and were much more comfortable.

5. The city of film

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Filming Billy Liar in Bradford: Director John Schlesinger (foreground, in white jumper) laughs as star Tom Courtenay (to left) and fellow actor Rodney Bewes (to right) lark about on the set.Filming Billy Liar in Bradford: Director John Schlesinger (foreground, in white jumper) laughs as star Tom Courtenay (to left) and fellow actor Rodney Bewes (to right) lark about on the set.

Back in 2009, the humble city of Bradford beat out international cities Cannes, Venice and LA to be named the world’s first UNESCO City of Film.

Bradford was given the the title for its long association with filmmaking, and a reputation that goes back to the very start of cinema.

Billy Liar and Room at the Top are just some historical movies that were filmed in the Bradford district.

You also can’t forget the Railway Children which was filmed on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway back in 1970.

6. The FA cup

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: (PA)(PA)

That’s right- The Football Association Challenge Cup as we know and love it today was actually created right on our doorstep.

The trophy was designed and manufactured by Fattorini & Sons of Bradford in 1911- the same year Bradford City won it.

Fattorini came to England after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and initially made his living as a travelling salesman. He started his original jewellery business in 1831 in Harrogate.

In 1846, he opened the original Fattorini & Sons shop.