Bradford Council is set to bring in financial experts to investigate a possible sell-off of Leeds-Bradford Airport.

Bradford is one of five councils in West Yorkshire which jointly own the airport.

By selling off its 40 per cent share, the Council could raise at least £14 million.

Interim chief executive David Kennedy, in a report to the Council, said: "While the Council's shares in the airport have a nominal value of £6 million, the potential value on disposal is considerably more than that. The airport company's last balance sheet shows its net worth to be £36 million and the Council's 40 per cent share of that is more than £14 million."

Leeds Council, which also owns a 40 per cent share, last month agreed to consult Bradford, Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield over the disposal of shares in the airport company.

It wants to dispose of at least 51 per cent - which could leave the councils with a small share each and limited influence.

If agreed, financial and legal advisers will work jointly for all five authorities and Leeds will manage the sell-off. The cost of taking on the experts will be met by the eventual buyer.

Mr Kennedy warned: "If Bradford and the other authorities retain their shareholdings, disposal of a minority shareholding is unlikely to attract market interest or to maximise the value per share for Leeds City Council."

Also if Bradford keeps its shares while the other authorities go for a sale, the Council will be in the minority where another company has the controlling interest. The value of its 40 per cent is likely to be affected, he said.

The decision will be made at Tuesday's executive meeting - a week before a one-day walkout about changes to the local government pension scheme is expected to affect the airport.

Firefighters there are due to make a protest about Government plans to scrap the so-called "rule 85", which lets staff retire at 60 if their age plus years worked equals 85 or more.

Airport managers were unable to confirm how many staff could walk out, saying they were awaiting a breakdown of the votes.

Thousands of Council and police support staff are expected to walk out but some workers will be given special dispensation from the strike, including those who provide essential services.