Service marks anniversary of Bradford City stadium fire

The Valley Parade disaster claimed the lives of 56 football fans on 11 May, 1985

Bradford City supporters are set to gather to remember 56 football fans who died in a devastating fire at the club's ground in 1985.

Saturday's service marks the 39th anniversary of the Valley Parade disaster.

The tragedy claimed the lives of 54 Bradford City supporters and two travelling Lincoln supporters who had been watching Bradford City play Lincoln City in their last home match of the season when fire broke out in the stands.

Relatives and friends of the victims will meet at the Bradford City Fire Memorial sculpture in Centenary Square at 11:00 BST.

More than 260 fans were also injured when the wooden stands ignited on 11 May, 1985.

The memorial service marks the 39th anniversary of the Valley Parade disaster

Ahead of the memorial service, the Lord Mayor of Bradford Gerry Barker said the disaster had left "lingering effects" on people in the city.

"It gave a lot of nightmares to people who were present - horrific memories and heartbreak to those who were personally involved in what happened and, of course, their relations who were also involved," Mr Barker said.

"It's something that people would not like to reflect on apart from at this time of year; to pay due respect to the memory of those who have gone before."

He added that it was important to take time to think about those who continued to be affected.