YOUNG people will be at the heart of the district's preparations for UK City of Culture.

A 17-strong youth panel has been formed as the countdown to 2025 continues.

Members, who are aged 16 to 22, will help plan a range of activities.

Nearly 50 young people from across Bradford district had applied for a role on the panel, which will have access to skill-building workshops and masterclasses led by leading artists and creative professionals.

Efforts to engage young people in Bradford 2025 programmes also include the creation of an 18-month Young Creatives scheme, supported by a £250,000 grant from the Harry & Mary Foundation – which focuses on improving the education and wellbeing of under-25s.

Ten young people will be offered the chance to work, whilst being paid at the Living Wage Foundation rate, behind the scenes on creative programming and events planning for Bradford 2025.

The scheme will be delivered in partnership with Bradford School of Art and the city's college, enabling the cohort to gain on-the-job experience whilst working towards a Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise. The roles will be advertised next month or in March.

John McMahon – head of engagement, skills and volunteers, with Bradford 2025 – says: "Bradford district has a wide tapestry of young talent, which is one of the reasons we were awarded the City of Culture title.

"This is a life-changing opportunity for young people who are at an age where they’re having to make big decisions about their futures, and to experience just how exciting and fulfilling a career in the creative sector can be.

"Our Young Creatives initiative aims to kickstart the district's young people on their career paths in the cultural sector, which will empower them and help create a new generation of home-grown, cultural leaders."

John Clough, chair of trustees at the Bradford-based Harry and Mary Foundation, said: "We are delighted to support the Young Creatives programme, which aligns with our key principles of enhancing educational opportunities and improving the wellbeing of young people. Through this programme we hope that these young people flourish, learn new skills and go on to be excellent ambassadors for Bradford district."

Bradford 2025 is also launching six full-time paid apprenticeship roles across various departments, in partnership with Access Creative College.

For more about opportunities available with Bradford 2025, including how to apply and application closing dates, visit bradford2025.co.uk