The American dream is alive and well, says a Bantams’ fan who will be sworn in as mayor of a US city this week.

Mark Vicary, 45, was elected Mayor of Genoa, Illinois, last week, despite having little background in politics.

He decided to get involved in local government because he was unhappy with the state of the roads of his new home city.

After leaving Ilkley Grammar School, aged 16, and working in a Wharfedale wood mill, he moved to the United States when he was 21. After his move he met his wife Christine and is now a naturalised US citizen.

Despite having spent more than half his life in America, he still follows Bradford City and said he “couldn’t be happier” with the club’s Capital One Cup success.

Mr Vicary had been at Valley Parade during the fire in 1985 that claimed the lives of 56 fans.

He said: “I read the online version of the Telegraph & Argus daily for the Bradford City updates. I’m a true City fan, holding season tickets from 1980 to 1991.

“The day of the fire I was in the Bradford end. We had to climb over the fence to get into the Midland Road stairwell.

“I couldn’t be happier with their recent success.”

Explaining how he got into politics, Mr Vicary said: “I was unhappy that the builder of our subdivision went into bankruptcy and left the roads unfinished and parks not completed, so I went to the council meetings to complain. Shortly afterwards I was asked to become an Alderman, so I did.

“I became an Alderman in 2009. I ran unopposed and have served for four-and-a-half years in that position.

“The Mayor was stepping down after 12 years so I decided to throw my name in the hat. I had helped the city negotiate a contract with the police union which saved thousands of dollars in taxpayer money.

“I figured I put as much, if not more, time in than anyone else, so why shouldn’t I throw my name in the ring?

“The election saw me duking it out with a long time Genoa resident and councilman (Jay Hansen). The results were close, but I won. Can you believe it, a Yorkshire boy Mayor of an American city?

“It feels surreal. We were raised with mum making our clothes and school uniform and dad growing everything to eat on the allotment.

“Not a charmed life by any standard and now the product of the American dream.”

After his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, he will preside over the city’s $10,000,000 worth of assets.