The hunt is on for a high-flying "deal-maker" to help rebuild the district and drive on the resurgence of its economy.

Bradford Council is advertising for a £75,000-a-year regeneration and business director to lead the way forward.

The authority is advertising for an ambitious professional who can make a major contribution to the district's rebirth.

The Council says it foresees the Bradford-Leeds axis as Britain's main regional centre for financial services.

An advertisement inviting applicants says: "We anticipate huge spin-offs from our enthralling bid to become European City of Culture 2008, not a surprising ambition to those of us fortunate enough to live and work in the district."

The decision to bring in a regeneration supremo comes as the Council prepares to join forces with Government agency Yorkshire Forward to form an Urban Regeneration Company which would spearhead the renaissance of the city.

Applicants are being told that with £55 million of regeneration taking place and £85 million more on the way, Bradford's massive resurgence is being followed across Europe.

The Council is pointing out that the district has been successful in obtaining Challenge, New Deal and Single Regenera-tion Budget funding from the Government.

A director would be expected to draw in substantial external funding, build on the Council's partnerships and promote and develop strategies.

The successful applicant would also work with the Keighley/Airedale Partnership which is expected to drive forward opportunities in the Aire Valley which links Bradford with Leeds.

But today David Scougall, executive member of the British Urban Regeneration Association who is based in Bradford, said: "There is no real regeneration framework and I think it will be very difficult to attract a high-flying professional without one."

Councillor Simon Cooke, executive committee member for the economy, said: "I think it is a great job with great opportunities.

"It is important we have some strong leadership in regeneration."