Bradford has played a central role in helping Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, to turn in its best annual performance in creating jobs and attracting investment.

Among the key successes was the establishment of the newest of the agency's urban regeneration companies in Bradford.

Yorkshire Forward said the company had the vision for and had developed a masterplan which would ensure the great potential and cultural diversity of the city would deliver future economic, social and environmental success.

In its annual report, the agency said that perhaps even more taxing for Bradford was securing what had been thought to be an "undoable" deal with radical developer Urban Splash to transform the historic Lister's Mill.

Manningham Mills, as it is sometimes known, was formerly the largest silk mill in the world.

A five-year plan will transform the historic building into flats, shops and workspaces. Yorkshire Forward pledged £4 million and Bradford Council contributed £2 million to the scheme to assist essential repairs and restoration.

It is estimated the project could create up to 1,300 jobs and experts believe it could bring positive benefits to the wider community.

Bradford University has also been deeply involved in Yorkshire Forward plans, becoming one of the new Centres of Industrial Collaboration designed to generate research income in conjunction with business.

Overall, Yorkshire Forward created or safeguarded 4,650 jobs and helped to create 220 new businesses. Nearly 10,500 people have had access to training in West Yorkshire alone.

Since it was set up, the development agency has created 16,500 jobs and created 730 new businesses. Yorkshire Forward chairman Terry Hodgkinson said: "These figures are among the best ever achieved by us, far exceeding our targets in many cases and above all other regional development agencies in terms of jobs and skills.

"This proves our investments are in line with the Regional Economic Strategy and have been focused to deliver real benefits to West Yorkshire. We are creating new, innovative solutions to the issues facing the region's businesses."