Race relations will be at the top of the list for the next Lord Mayor of Bradford, he pledged today.

Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq, of Thornbury, said he was delighted with his appointment and would be attempting to improve relations with different communities during his year in power.

"I feel very excited about it. It's something I have been looking forward to doing for a long time," he said.

"Obviously I would be looking to achieve a better understanding between communities.

"I think it is important to build bridges and integrate different ways of life."

Coun Khaliq, who has represented Bradford Moor since 1988, said he was determined for people to see Bradford in a new light.

"I want Bradford to be seen in a more positive way.

"Many people have a very negative image and I want to change that."

He will perform his civic duties with wife Shahnaz when he takes over from the present Lord Mayor, Coun Stanley King, in May.

He is the second Asian civic leader following Coun Mohammed Ajeeb's appointment in May, 1985.

Bary Malik, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, said: "I think it is great for Bradford.

"To have a second Asian Lord Mayor will give a very good name to the city all over the world.

"Coun Khaliq has been working tirelessly for the relations in this city for years and not just between black and white but within the coloured communities as well.

"I'm sure this appointment will be a great step.

"The news that his wife will become the Lady Mayoress will send very good messages about women to those who think they should be kept behind four walls."

Coun Khaliq was nominated for the role by Bradford Council's Labour group with Coun Irene Ellison-Wood (Keighley West) as deputy.

The nomination was the first using a new system, agreed by the czzzzouncil's three political groups.