THE ANNUAL civic service took place at Bradford Cathedral and marked one of the final engagements of the outgoing Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons.

As reported previously in the Telegraph & Argus, the annual Lord Mayor's Parade has become the first casualty of cuts to Bradford events, but the civic service went ahead as normal on Saturday.

The event featured a performance from the City of Bradford Brass Band and Opera North soprano Victoria Sharp.

Cllr Gibbons said: "It was a really superb service.

"It was powerful and emotional. The musical content, readers' input and the sermon from the Bishop all made it a memorable occasion."

The service reflected many of the significant events to have happened during Cllr Gibbons' year in office, including the 30th Anniversary of the Bradford City Fire Disaster, the death of Bradford's poet laureate Gerard Benson and the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

Cllr Gibbons thanked all those who had taken part in the civic service.