Links between the local district authority and parish councils are being further strengthened.

A special charter, which will help parish and town councils seeking quality status, is set to be approved by Bradford Council's executive.

The tailor-made charter is among the first of its kind in the country and has already attracted interest from other local authorities keen to follow the example.

It is the latest in a series of Bradford Council initiatives in support of parish and town councils -- a link officer has been appointed and a liaison group set up.

Councillor Simon Cooke, the council's executive member for regeneration and culture, said: "Town and parish councils play a vital role in our communities and these arrangements allow us to support their work and encourage more to set up.

"Establishing a parish council charter means there will be more understanding about the role of each organisation and it will strengthen the links we already have with the town and parish councils.

"Improved working relationships with parish councils has already proved mutually beneficial, allowing them increased access to council services and the council a more effective means of consulting with the community."

"By supporting the development of good quality parish councils we can offer a better service to our community," he said.

Silsden town councillor Michael Elsmore, the Mayor of Silsden and chairman of the Yorkshire Local Councils Associations, said: "I welcome this important move and I know that it has the support of all the town and parish councils in the Bradford area.

"Close co-operation betwe-en our tier of local government and the district council is very important in providing a better service to the local communities.

"We have already come a long way and we look forward to a strengthening of relationships in the years to come."

The charter will be discussed by Bradford Council's executive on Tuesday.