Hundreds of stars were hung on City Hall’s Christmas tree last night in memory of absent loved ones or to mark the people who have made a difference in Bradford this year.

A total of 196 stars were hung from the tree by a procession of people at the emotional Christmas Star Appeal 2013 event, sponsored by the Telegraph & Argus for the tenth year in succession.

More than £1,100 was raised for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal, which this year is supporting Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Khadim Hussain, who hung a star in memory of his niece, Nazima Tabassum Hussain, said he was “overwhelmed” at the tremendous turnout for the event.

“This is a unique opportunity to remember our loved ones, and I’d like to say a huge thank-you to all concerned,” he said.

Speaking afterwards to the T&A, Coun Hussain added: “Tonight gives people an opportunity to come out and share their emotions in what is a very uplifting experience. It is very important for people to know they are not on their own.

“The donations to BDSL will make a huge contribution, helping to promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity.”

A former Lady Mayoress of Bradford, Susan Brown, hung a star with her brother Tony Smith in memory of their sister Joan Canning.

She said: “Joan was a volunteer on the appeal for 14 years, so this is a fitting way to remember her. It’s for a good cause, and as long as we’re here, we’ll give a star. It’s turned into a tradition, and long may it continue.”

Eileen Barker, of Wilsden, hung a star for her husband Jim Longbottom, who died 27 years ago.

“I’ve been here every year since it started,” she said. “The appeal is a special thing for me, and I always associate it with this time of year. It’s an emotional night, but I wouldn’t miss it.”

Mother and son, Patricia and Mike Soothill, paid tribute to Mrs Soothill’s husband Derrick, and Mr Soothill’s wife Pat. “We come every year,” they said. “It’s always a moving experience and such a nice way to remember somebody.”

Sylvia Hicks, of Wyke, was hanging a star for the first time in memory of her husband Ronnie, who died 18 months ago.

“I was too upset to do it last year, but determined to get involved this time. It’s a nice way to remember people and I’ll definitely continue to do it.”

Tributes Were Paid To The Following At City Hall:

Alan Butler, Alice Rose King, All Our Absent Loved Ones, Alma Wood, Annie and Arthur Edgley, Arnold Elsden, Arthur Bennett, Audrey Dyche, Barrie Chapman, Basil Ingleby, Beryl Cunningham, Betty Scarborough, Billy Smith, Bower Family, Brenda Gill, Brian Pickford, Brian Stork, Caitlin Virco, Carol Ann Rhodes, Christine, Christopher John Holgate, Clare Stansfield, Daniel W Le Prevost, David Latimer, David Taylor, Denis Sharp, Derrick Soothill, Diane McDermott (nee Pickford), Donald Schofield and Billy Bird, Doreen Brown, Dorothy May Connell, Dorothy Myers, Elaine Bates (nee Heath, Elsie Ingleby, Emily, Margaret & Jean, Ernest Saville, Eunice Gee, Evelyn Howcutt, Frances Melaugh, Frank Anthony Holmes, Frank McGrath, Fred Bowman, Freddie Patrick Walker, Frederick & Joan Fox, Gareth Mark Hammond, Geoff Slingsby, Grahame Gordon, Grandad and Great Grandad, Granville Pemberton, Harry Eccles, Harry Ingleby, Harry Lofthouse, Harry Surbuts, Hilda Greenwood, Hilda Mattocks, Jack & Evelyn Waterhouse, Jack Fortune, Jack Roe, Jackie Brack, Jean Gleadow, Jean Humphrey, Jeanne Hawkes, Jessie Ingleby, Jim Longbottom, Joan Canning, Joan Collins, Joe Zaccardelli, John & Emma Bannon, John Kenneth Brack, John Kerr, Julia Delaney, Julie J Bairstow, June & Bert Wilson, Kathleen Selby, Kathleen Shackleton, Kathleen Wade, Keith Hallsworth, Keith Surbuts, Leah Kellett, Lee Firth, Lillie Grace Hodges-Rhodes, Lily Angel Smith & Rhoda Williams, Linda Fearnley, Madge Brimacombe, Malcolm Field, Malcolm Murray, Mandy Roberts, Marion Dixon, Mary McVeigh, Matthew David Brear, May Parry, May Ruth, Michael Pennant, Michael Tennant, Millicent Smith, Millie & Bill Smith, Mr & Mrs Morris Murray, Mr & Mrs W Stephenson & son Walter, Mum and Dad, Mum Mavis, Nana Dot, Nazima Tabassum Hussain, Neil Fox, Oliver Christian McNally, Pat Soothill, Paul Harrison, Paul Smith, Paul & Victor Bannon, Percy Gee, Peter Fitzgerald, Peter Quick, Philip Stocks, Phillip Shackleton, Phylis Daynes, Private Martin Bell G M, Ralph Taylor, Ray Chadwick, Rina Elsden, Robert Frank Cox, Ronnie Hicks, Samantha Feather, Sara Mann, Sarah Phillips, Shirley Gaunt, Stanley Allott, Stanley Cahill, Stella & Jack Burgess, Stephen David Newsholme, Steven Parry, Sue Greenwood, Terry Simeon Walker, Theresa Cahill, To All War Heros, Toni Marie Zaccardelli, Vera Darling, Wilf Abbott, Wilfred Ruth, Willie & Rose Boulton, Winston, Yvonne Karan, Zak Simpson, Andrew Moore, Ann Gibson, Ann Pateman, BDSL all our members who have passed away, Donald Schofield, Dorothy Connell, Frank & Alice Saville, Gordon McPhee, Jean Bain, Joan Redman, Joyce Blowers, Karan Yvonne, Katie Wilkinson, Lilly Frederick, Margaret Emmott, Mary Robinson, Matthew Ward, Morris Murray.