Bradford's mixed communities and acclaimed photography museum have been given a ringing endorsement by MP Chris Smith at the start of a major culture conference.

The minister said the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television should form the basis of Bradford's bid to be a city of culture, along with the different racial groups.

He was speaking at the start of the international Culture Culture conference at the museum in front of delegates from British cities bidding along with Bradford to be the 2008 European City of Culture.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport told yesterday's meeting: "In Bradford you have the national film museum that is, I would have thought, essential for any application.

"It is a great institution in the cultural life of Bradford. But there has to be more than just the great institutions

"In Bradford, you also have multiculturalism and diversity, which is one of our great strengths. Any application from the city is bound to build on the richness of the cultures represented in the city."

Bidders for the 2008 designation have to submit applications to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport by 2003, and Mr Smith said they had to contain ideas and proof plans which would contain long-term benefits.

Bradford Council leader, Councillor Margaret Eaton, told the conference: "During the industrial revolution, Bradford became the centre for the world's wool trade and textile production. We have a unique cultural heritage created as a result of people all over the world making it home."

The conference lasts until tomorrow and speakers will include Sir Bob Scott, who masterminded Manchester's Common-wealth Games bid, and Pierre-Yves Gerbeau, chief executive of London's Millennium Dome.

As well as the winners, several commended cities will be named who will be encouraged to use their runner-up status to secure investment for the area.