A SPECIAL flag is to be flown in the Bradford district remembering victims of the Srebrenica genocide 20 years ago.

The move has been welcomed by councillors who are Remembering Srebrenica champions.

Councillor Adrian Farley (Lab, Keighley West), has twice visited Bosnia and met survivors of the massacre.

"The flag is a tribute to those who died and helps ensure that what happened is not forgotten," said Cllr Farley.

"It is important that we mark this in history and focus people's minds."

The four-square-metre flag will be flown from Bradford City Hall during Srebrenica Memorial Week, in July.

It will form part of Council commemorations including a memorial event, at City Hall, on July 4.

The flag – which bears the iconic Srebrenica flower and the words Remember Srebrenica – has been produced for free by Swansea-based Charles Ashburner, owner of MrFlag.

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw (Lab, Windhill and Wrose), who is also a Remembering Srebrenica champion, said: "I am delighted Charles has generously donated this magnificent flag, which will look fantastic flying high during Srebrenica Memorial Week.

"It will help to remind the people of Bradford about the atrocity 20 years ago."

Mr Ashburner said flags could be extremely evocative.

"They can make people think and feel and there is no doubt that the story of Srebrenica is one which deserves that," he added.

"I'm privileged to be able to make amazing flags for incredible people every day, but as with much else in life it is sometimes the things we do for free which make us most proud."

Dr Waqar Azmi, chairman of Remembering Srebrenica, said: "This was the single greatest atrocity committed on European soil since the Second World War and a brutal reminder of man's inhumanity to man.

"Mr Ashburner's generous gift will help to raise awareness of Srebrenica among people in West Yorkshire.

"Our volunteers are working hard to inspire people to tackle hatred, build stronger and more cohesive communities and ensure Srebrenica is never forgotten."

Remembering Srebrenica organises the UK Srebrenica Memorial Week, which leads up to an EU-wide day of remembrance for the victims of the genocide.

It also runs a Lessons from Srebrenica educational visit programme, where UK delegates pledge to organise local projects to strengthen community cohesion and create a better society.