A new commission is being set up to tackle the district's high baby death rate.

Figures released last month showed West Yorkshire had the second highest rate of infant mortality in England and Wales.

The county was just behind Birmingham, with the district having a shocking 7.1 deaths in babies under a year old per 1,000 births. The national figure is only 5.3 per 1,000.

The independent commission is being set up by local strategic partnership Bradford Vision in association with health professionals and Bradford Council.

Over the next 12 months it will carry out an in-depth study of the causes of infant deaths and invite experts' views on what can be done to address the issue.

Local projects have so far encouraged mothers to breastfeed, discouraged smoking, drinking and drug use and made screening services readily available.

Norman Roper, joint chairman of the district's Strategic Health Improvement Partnership, said: "Much progress is being made in improving the health of local people, with strong partnerships between the Health Service, Bradford Council and other partners.

"But the need to improve the health and life expectancy of babies born locally remains a major concern.

"Many factors can contribute to the death of a baby under one year old and health professionals recognise that no one area of improvement is likely, in isolation, to save more lives each year.

"We already know that poor housing, low incomes, the lack of nutritious diet and the fact that some mothers continue to smoke, drink or use drugs during and after pregnancy all contribute to the number of infant deaths in our district being higher than the national average."

Dr Liz Kernohan, who will represent the district's directors of public health on the commission, welcomed its creation.

"It will have a unique overview from which to gain a better understanding of the many factors involved and to concentrate both local and national expertise on finding solutions," she said.

"It will aim not only to review what is already being done but also look for the most promising areas where action might be targeted to prevent deaths and avoidable risks for all babies born in the Bradford district."

Bradford Council's social services and health chief, Coun Martin Smith said: "I welcome the commission as a first step towards narrowing the gap between areas and look forward to reading the recommendations."