A Bradford chemical firm is giving students a chance to boost their skills by sponsoring a lectureship at the city's university.

A H Marks, based at Wyke, is making the move to boost research into molecular processes and develop teaching into physical chemistry.

The position is a return home for lecturer Dr Karl Travis (pictured above left, with David Rippon of A H Marks) whose career has taken him to universities in Australia, America, and London before his latest move.

Dr Travis said: "I am delighted to be associated with A H Marks, an outstanding British chemical manufacturer with a strong research and development arm.

"I am also proud to be working at Bradford University because it has an excellent reputation in teaching and research, is a multicultural university, has strong links with industry and is an investor in people."

A H Marks technical director Dr Ian McRobbie said he was delighted to welcome Karl to the team. "We are looking forward to working with him on projects of mutual interest, and making the most of this worthwhile partnership," he said

Dr McRobbie said the creation of the post, part-funded by A H Marks, was part of the company's drive to forge stronger links with universities.