Bradford traders want to adopt a little French know-how - to help point Asian shoppers in the right direction.

They want to introduce "urban stewards" similar to ones used on the classy Boulevard Haussmann where special multi-lingual uniformed officials help direct non-French-speaking shoppers.

And by using Asian language speakers, they hope to encourage Asian shoppers into mainstream High Street shops.

Marks & Spencer manager Mike Dukes said the stewards had been a hit in the boulevard which features the Paris branch of M&S.

He added: "We need to get more Asian shoppers in the city centre. We can't rely on this as the only thing we do but it could be a big part of it.

"What we are saying is let's have a think about whether it could work here. It's just an idea but it's got some possibilities if it makes it easier to shop within the centre."

He and two fellow members of the Bradford Retail Action Group have set up a fact-finding committee.

They will be looking at whether stores will want to get involved, how much it will cost and if outside funding is available.

Littlewoods manager Andrew Ward, who is also on the committee, said staff at the store already wore badges showing which languages they spoke, in a bid to help customers.

"It's not just about business. It's about being a member of the community and we want to be seen to be playing our part in that community," he said.

President of Bradford's Council for Mosques Ghulam Rasul welcomed the initiative, saying: "They are thinking of the community and it's a very positive thing". He said it would provide jobs for Asian people, but he added: "Most people being third generation speak English very well and usually visitors have people from Bradford with them."

Marks & Spencer, in Darley Street, has already felt the financial benefits of actively seeking Asian shoppers. It has been holding meetings in schools and with Asian groups to find out how to tailor their services better. This year was the first time the store officially marked the Muslim festival of Eid.

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