Culturally Bradford is going to be up there with the rest of the world

David Fraser English Heritage

Residents in both areas have been celebrating the announcement, which is likely to lead to an increase in tourism.

Both areas played a major role in the beginnings of the industrial revolution.

The award means that the mills from Masson in the north of the Derwent Valley to the Silk Mill in Derby will be protected.

Arkwright's Mill was the world's first water-powered textile mill is also covered.

The famous West Yorkshire village of Saltaire was established by Sir Titus Salt in the 19th Century.

Salt's Mill is protected

The UN award will means Salt's Mill, built by Sir Titus in the 1850s and restored by local businessman Jonathan Silver in 1987, will be preserved.

The mill, which is open to the public, contains a gallery exhibiting the work of David Hockney.

Saltaire resident Maria Galot said the announcement was the culmination of 20 years work.

"I can remember becoming Bradford's first tourism officer in April 1980. We sat around that table and said 'What shall we do for Bradford. Let's try and achieve a world heritage site'," she said.

World significance

"I know it's taken 20 years but, boy, is it worth it.

"Well done Saltaire and all the people who have made it happen and it's a lot of people."

David Fraser, from English Heritage, said it put the region on a world footing.

"Suddenly we have a Bradford district, Saltaire village, being a tremendously important place in world terms and just to know that you live in the place, work in that place is important," he said.

More tourism

"It makes people proud. It makes me proud, and I hope it makes all the inhabitants of Bradford proud to know that on their doorstep they have that.

"Culturally Bradford is going to be up there with the rest of the world."

Geoff Carlisle, the cabinet member for regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, said the status would mean more money coming into the region.

"We believe more grants will be created and tourists added to that creates more employment," he said.