BUSINESS and community leaders are helping to inspire school children across the district.

Volunteers have been working with primary and secondary-age pupils, with the aim of broadening their aspirations and helping them consider their career paths.

A series of events has taken place, as part of the Inspiring Bradford initiative.

Bradford 'community champions' were joined in the venture by national business leaders.

Among those taking part were CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn and the incoming president of the National Association of Head Teachers, Andy Mellor.

It is hoped the project will provide a blueprint for similar schemes across the country.

Community champions leader is Gill Arnold, deputy chairman of the West Yorkshire magistrates' bench.

She said: "Inspiring children and young people across our district is what the community champions are all about.

"Inspiring Bradford is an innovative initiative. It's a fantastic way of giving young people food for thought as to what they may do in the future, and a great way for our volunteers to be able to give back to the community.

"We are endeavouring to not only inspire the pupils, but also to try to change the perception some of them have of school in general."

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: "We have some really inspirational people in our district who are helping young people to think about what they want to do.

"We're grateful to our community champions for giving their time to support the Inspiring Bradford initiative.

"Everyone can have a role to play in supporting young people to achieve more."