25 years on... Bradford remembers victims of the tragedy at Valley Parade

Fans, wearing claret and amber scarves and football shirts, and families joined city dignitaries at Bradford's Centenary Square.

More than 11,000 people had packed into the stadium to see Bradford City receive the Division Three championship trophy at the beginning of the match against Lincoln City when tragedy struck on May 11, 1985 and a fire raged through the wooden structure, leaving more than 200 people injured.

Today's 40-minute service began as the crowd sang the football anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' followed by an address from the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

He said: "A community that forgets its memory becomes senile. So you, the City of Bradford, do well to remember the Bradford City Fire disaster.

"So today, we lift up high and honour all those who died in the fire 25 years ago."

A flag bearing the words 'This is our city, Bradford City Football Club', flew at half mast over the throng who had gathered to pay their respects, many of whom clutched flowers.

Young and old joined together to remember, and a large number of people wore poignant T-shirts which bore the date of the disaster and the words: "Twenty five years, remember".

Following a one minute's silence, the crowd sang the hymn Abide With Me, and the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun John Godward led mourners to lay wreaths, in the club colours of amber and claret.

Former Bradford City player, manager and fans' favourite Stuart McCall, who was at the front of the crowd, closed his eyes and clutched a wreath during the ceremony.

Speaking after the emotional memorial, Gerry Sutcliffe, MP for Bradford South and current Sports Minister, said: "It was horrendous, the aftermath. It is difficult to describe how the city felt, it will always be with us and they will continue to be remembered for many years to come.

"It's still very raw in people's minds, even now some people still can't go to Valley Parade. It was a significant event in people's history."

He said the one good thing to have come out of the tragedy was the safety of sports stadiums across the country.

Relatives of the 56 victims of the fire were invited to Bradford City Hall after the service.

A memorial plaque was unveiled later in the afternoon, followed by a service at Bradford City's ground and a private remembrance at Bradford Cathedral.