Bradford's beleaguered manufacturing industry has shown its first signs of growth for a year.

According to the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, there was growth in manufacturing in February - the first time the sector had improved in 12 months.

Malcolm Tell, chairman of CIPS North East branch, said: "Spring has arrived on time for UK manufacturers."

But he said the figures were unlikely to be the start of a steep increase. Mr Tell added: "We won't see dramatic growth but with purchasing managers exploiting falling input and output prices in manufacturing, and prices remaining subdued in the service sector, the Bank of England shouldn't need to fear inflation. If interest rates remain at their current level we hope to see consumer spending sustaining the recovery of manufacturing."

Despite the finding, confidence locally still appears fragile.

Another survey has shown that 33 per cent of Yorkshire engineering firms have cut back on staff during the past three months. Research by the Engineering Employers' Federation in Yorkshire has shown the sector continues to suffer from falling orders.