A debt-busting charity has announced plans to create 150 new jobs in Bradford as part of a major expansion of its HQ.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is expanding its facilities to cope with huge demand for its services from families hit by the recession.

The charity already has 200 people working at the refurbished Jubilee Mill, in North Street, Bradford city centre.

Now it has bought a disused school in nearby Jermyn Street, which it is converting into offices for a further 150 employees.

The charity’s founder, John Kirkby, of Shipley, said: “We’re all about restoration at CAP. Every day we are meeting people across the UK who are despairing about their debt and it is our delight to give them real hope and a solution.

“For a number of years, we’ve been looking out of the window at a sad looking St Mary’s Catholic School and now we’re really pleased to be breathing new life into that too. We are committed to Bradford and I am so happy to be seeing good things happening in my beloved city.”

Mr Kirkby began the charity from the house where he lived in Great Horton, and it has grown rapidly in this country and abroad – thanks to support from churches and individuals.

Last month, 44 people were declared debt-free thanks to CAP’s efforts. In January, CAP visited 500 new clients and in Bradford appointments are booked up into May.

Mr Kirkby said: “Our vision many years ago was to see a CAP centre in every town and city. As that happens we need more room to service all of that activity and give the best standard of care to our clients.”

Staff and pupils at St Mary’s Catholic Primary relocated around three years ago to St Mary’s and St Peter’s, in Upper Nidd Street, off Leeds Road, Bradford, leaving the building to lie empty. Now workmen are busy inside and the charity hopes it will be ready for new staff by this autumn.

Meanwhile, CAP is celebrating after being singled out for the third year running as being one of the country’s best small companies to work for – and with a winning leadership team at the Sunday Times’ Best Small Companies award ceremony.

e-mail: will.kilner @telegraphandargus.co.uk