Only a quarter of people feel climate change will have a large impact on the Bradford district, according to new research commissioned by Bradford Council.

Almost two thirds of people agreed that they could personally help limit the effects while fewer people felt they were personally affected by climate change.

Six hundred residents across the district took part in telephone interviews to find out how well they understand climate change.

It will be followed up by more interviews in January next year to see if views have altered.

The Council hopes the research will act as a benchmark for its climate change awareness programme which is being funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Interviewees were selected to represent the range of Bradford's population in terms of age, sex, ethnicity, area and class.

Councillor Anne Hawksworth, the executive member for environment and culture, said: "The research shows that Bradford people have a similar level of understanding of climate change as the rest of the region.

"It is heartening that they showed more willingness to do something about it by taking personal action.

"From switching off a light to recycling or using the car less, we can all do something to limit the effects of climate change."

The research will be analysed by researchers at the De Montfort University in Leicester as part of DEFRA's National Climate Change Initiative.

To find out more visit www.bradford.gov.uk/climatechange.