The company behind one of Bradford's biggest regeneration schemes has suffered a snub from taxi drivers.

Bradford Channel Limited put on a free buffet yesterday, where company representatives were set to brief cabbies on the details of the £350 million Channel scheme.

But, despite food being provided for 100 people, not one taxi driver turned up at the Inn-Dian Restaurant, in Manningham Lane.

The company had hoped to make taxi drivers into "ambassadors" for the city's regeneration by providing them with information which they could pass on to passengers.

But even the incentive of free food proved inadequate and Balti dishes, onion bhajis and naan breads remained untouched.

The no-show from cabbies was also a blow for the Inn-Dian's kitchen staff, who had come into work early at 10am to start preparing the buffet.

Bradford Channel Limited decided to donate the food mountain to a charity for homeless people to prevent it going to waste.

A spokesman for the company said: "You have to have a sense of humour about things like this.

"We did our best - we sent out letters and telephoned people and they all said they were keen. There was also a big article in the Telegraph & Argus. Perhaps on the day the sun just brought out too many fares.

"It's a shame and we are disappointed but it will not stop us from trying to spread the word about the Channel and the exciting changes it will bring to Bradford."

The Channel scheme involves reintroducing water to the city centre to form the centrepiece of a mixed-use development.

Anthony Barnett, associate director of Robinson Architects, who are involved in the Channel scheme, was a member of a five-strong team who turned up to explain the scheme to the city's cabbies.

He said: "Never mind the architecture, at least the food was good.

"I think it's a good idea that we are doing these exercises, but it's a shame the excitement has not caught on yet."

Restaurant owner Atik Rahman said: "We put on meals for lots of big parties, but we have never had one where nobody turned up.

"The staff have worked hard to get food ready for 100 people. They are disappointed because anyone who makes food wants customers to enjoy it."

e-mail: will.kilner@bradford.newsquest.co.uk