A cash boost of almost £1 million has brought the dream of a new healthy living centre for people in a deprived area of Bradford a step closer.

The National Lottery New Opportunities Fund yesterday announced it had awarded Horton Grange Healthy Living Centre £968,049 towards the £3 million project.

The centre aims to extend the work of the Grange Interlink Community Centre at Summerville Road, Horton Grange, which already serves the local community, largely South Asian.

The new healthy living centre will extend the range of activities offered on the site with the aim of improving people's lifestyle and skills.

Imran Khan, project manager on Grange Interlink management committee, said: "This is excellent news for Horton Grange which is typical of many inner city areas, suffering from multiple deprivation. Residents will have the opportunity to improve their way of life by having access to first-rate services on their doorstep.

"We are grateful to the fund for its timely support."

Partners in the project include Bradford Social Services, Bradford College and Bradford City Primary Care Trust.

Liz Andelin, assistant director of operations and modernisation for Bradford City Primary Care Trust, said: "We are delighted. It is an area that falls outside a lot of other regeneration programmes so it has not had a lot from other funding streams.

"We are looking forward to working with the Grange Interlink management committee and the Sports Action board to develop robust services which will impact on the health of people living in that area."

The new community building will benefit a range of people including older people who suffer from poor mental well-being, undiagnosed diabetes and health issues relating to language barriers and isolation.

There will also be projects aimed at young mothers, school-age children and under-25s, including parenting classes and sports coaching.

'Sportsability' sessions will enable people with disabilities to take part in exercise, and other schemes will focus on diet and men's health, as well as information technology and language courses to improve employment prospects. There will also be a programme of arts and crafts.

Yusuf Karolia, secretary of Grange Interlink management committee, said they were expecting the Sports Council to confirm a further award of £800,000 towards the project in the near future. The rest of the money will come from European funds.