Business are to get the lowdown on ambitious plans for the rejuvenation of Bradford's historic canal.

The multi-million-pound project to transform a five kilometre stretch between Bradford and Shipley will be explained at a forum tonight aimed at companies operating in the Canal Road area.

Traders will be invited to ask questions about the project, which would see a canal recreated along a route approximately following the line of the valley between the city centre and running five kilometres to Shipley, where it will join the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.

Edward Stanners, chairman of the Canal Road Business Forum, said that tonight's meeting at Valley Parade was a chance for businesses to find out more and make their views known.

"The plans for reviving the canal are exciting and visionary and we want to be able to demonstrate the benefits to all concerned," said Mr Stanners, a director of Clissolds textiles company.

"We want businesses, whether large or small concerns, and any individuals who wish to come along to put questions and points."

Scheme backers hope the apartments, shops and offices as part of the project will help spark further regeneration along the canal and eventually enable a new waterway to be built.

The meeting, which starts at 5pm, will include a display showing details of the proposed route.

To book a place, contact Mark Weaver at Bradford Chamber on (01274) 778734 or events@bradfordchamber.co.uk