CREATIVE and cultural industries have seen huge growth across the region during the past year.

New figures show that in the 12 months to June, nearly 48,000 creative, cultural and sport roles were advertised in West Yorkshire.

The total represents a 17 per cent rise on the previous year, and is almost three times higher than an increase experienced nationally.

And further growth is anticipated following the announcement by West Yorkshire's mayor, Tracy Brabin, of a new £1.7 million package for the sector.

The You Can Make it Here initiative will support people into roles within the industries, through a range of upskilling schemes.

Ms Brabin says: "Our creative industries are booming, with thousands of job opportunities for people across the region, and this latest investment will give everyone a chance to obtain the skills they need to do a well-paid job that they love.

"The support we’re providing is key to creating a greater, more diverse pool of talent and opportunities to help drive further growth and innovation throughout the sector.

"It’s going to help us build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that will make a real difference to the lives of people in our communities and beyond."

Part of the package will include an extension of support for the mayor's Screen Diversity programme.

Delivered by Screen Yorkshire, it provides training and work placements for young people from under-represented groups.

Caroline Cooper Charles, chief executive of Screen Yorkshire, says: "It has been amazing to help deliver the Screen Diversity programme and we can’t wait to welcome our next cohort. "The screen sector is thriving in this region, with a 98 per cent increase in people working in film and television between 2017 and 2021. This programme has been absolutely critical in helping people from all five West Yorkshire districts access these burgeoning opportunities.

"Over the past year we've supported 77 participants, who went on to work with local companies such as DANZ and True North and on productions including the CBBC series Jamie Johnson FC and the feature film Sky Peals, which is soon to premiere at Venice Film Festival. Some have also been accepted onto prestigious further training with Film Hub North and the Northern Film and Television School Leeds."

Councillor Denise Jeffery, who chairs West Yorkshire Combined Authority's place, regeneration and housing committee, says: "West Yorkshire has a strong and diverse creative heritage. It’s fantastic to see the progress our region is making to harness the opportunities which stem from that, and we’ve got huge further potential."