Bradford has become the first British city to appoint a "peace ambassador" whose remit is to bring communities together in harmony.

Bradford Vision, made up of representatives of the district's leading organisations, has appointed former regeneration chief Sally Collins to the job.

Her new £60,000-a-year post is funded by the Home Office and she will work with partnerships across the district looking at ways of preventing violence and ensuring safer and more united communities.

She hails from Norwich and has been chief executive of the Keighley and Highfield Single Regeneration Budget for 13 months.

She will be based at the Bradford Vision office in Mercury House and her responsibilities will include helping to bring communities of all backgrounds together.

A multi-agency, community cohesion task group, which she will lead, has already been set up.

She said: "I will be working with Bradford Council and other partners from the business and voluntary sector to develop a detailed delivery plan for community cohesion in the district, aimed at improving the economic, environmental and social well-being of local people."

Margaret Eaton, chairman of Bradford Vision board and also Council leader, said: "Sally and the multi-agency team have a challenging job ahead of them.

"I hope they will be instrumental in helping Bradford Vision and its partners to work more closely and effectively with local communities."

Greg Dyche, regional crime director at the Government office for Yorkshire and the Humber, said it was a key appointment for Bradford Vision.

"Sally will play a leading role in bringing partners together, promoting community cohesion and contributing to improving the well-being of people across the district."