OLD sporting rivalries will be forgotten to raise money for the Bradford burns unit as part of the events to mark the 30th anniversary of the Bradford City Fire.

Members of the Bradford branch of the Leeds United Supporters' Club have organised a charity football match and auction to raise at least £5,000 for the University of Bradford's Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU).

Organisers hope to raise at least £10,000 from the event, with the proceeds being handed out equally between Bradford Burns Unit and Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal.

It will be held on Sunday, May 3, at Field Sports and Social Club, Hollingwood Drive, Lidget Green, with about 1,000 people expected to attend.

The day kicks off at 2pm with an 11-a-side football match, between Leeds and Bradford under 12s sides.

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This will be followed by a penalty shootout and a charity auction featuring a host of football memorabilia at the same venue.

The blaze, on May 11, 1985, claimed a total of 56 victims, 54 Bradford City fans and two supporters of their opponents that day, Lincoln City.

Hundreds of other fans suffered severe burns as the blaze ripped through the wooden stand.

Balloons will be released before the match in memory of each of the 56 victims of the Bradford fire on May 11, 1985.

Another balloon will be released in honour of Leeds United fan Ian Hambridge, 15, who died on the same day during violence at a game between Leeds and Birmingham City.

Terry Yorath, City’s assistant manager at the time of the disaster, is due to attend along with former striker John Hendrie, who was in City’s side on the day.

A minute's applause will take place on the pitch before the youngsters' match.

Event organiser Danny Priestley, 48, who used to live in Bradford, says the rivalries between Leeds United and Bradford City will be put to one side for the charity fundraiser.

He said: "We want to make it a big event.

"We want to put the rivalries between Leeds United and Bradford City to one side. It's all about us getting together.

"It's a mark of respect and a fitting tribute to the day.

"It was a tragic, tragic day.

"The idea of having the kids' game is to keep the memory going through them. Kids from the two cities will be playing in the game."

For more information on the event, call Mr Priestley on 07787 126537.

The charity football match is the latest fundraiser for the Burns Research Unit.

This includes a bucket collection at the two FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley this weekend.

The collection will be conducted jointly by the University of Bradford, Bradford City FC and the West Yorkshire Fire Service.

To donate directly to the Burns Unit appeal at fire-anniversary.brad.ac.uk/donate.