INNOVATIVE new ways of using drone technology are to be tested in the district.

Bradford is one of only five areas across the UK chosen to pioneer different applications.

The Flying High Challenge aims to shape how the remote-controlled craft could be utilised in the future.

And the findings will play a part in formulating national policies and regulations.

Uses the drones could be tested for include capturing information from above immediately following emergency situations, such as floods, or to assess the structural safety of buildings in the aftermath of fires.

They may also provide thermal and visual surveys of premises to monitor energy efficiency, and be used to inspect historical structures.

But the drones might also lend themselves to transporting tissue or samples for hospitals in emergencies, and even be deployed to help manage traffic or anti-social behaviour.

Monitoring vegetation and invasive species are also possibilities.

Bradford Council will work on the venture with innovation foundation Nesta and partner organisations in the district.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, portfolio holder for regeneration, planning and transport, welcomed the council’s involvement in the project.

“Bradford district is going to be at the forefront of developments in this exciting technology,” he said. “The drone has some very promising applications.”