Flags were flying at half mast while the city centre came to a standstill as mourners marked the 22nd anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster which claimed 56 lives.

As the City Hall clocked chimed 11am, heads were bowed for the minute's silence and the bells played the football anthem You'll Never Walk Alone, then Abide With Me.

Dozens of people who lost loved ones in the tragic fire at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, gathered with Bantams' players past and present, as well as Bradford Council leader, Councillor Kris Hopkins and Bradford Council's chief executive, Tony Reeves.

A civic party from Lincoln, whose team were City's opponents on the day of the disaster in 1985, also paid their respects.

Councillor the Reverend Paul Flowers, a member of the Lord Mayor's faith advisory team, introduced proceedings.

He said: "It was a day of tragedy but also of immense heroism.

"The memories of that day for many who are here and for those who are not here, are still immensely raw."

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Choudhary Rangzeb, laid a wreath before a blessing by the Right Reverend David James, Bishop of Bradford.

The Lord Mayor said: "This is such an important date for the people of Bradford and we must reflect and remember all the people who were affected by this disaster 22 years ago."

The Reverend Andy Bowerman, Bradford City Football Club chaplain, led mourners through the Lord's Prayer.

He said: "It reminds us all that football is a sport, it is for fun and this tragedy is well beyond that."

  • Click here to pay your own tributes to the fire victims