Firefighters across the region are working to raise £25,000 for the Bradford City Burns Unit Appeal.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has set the target to provide vital funds for the pioneering research unit at Bradford University.

Fire stations across the county are holding events including car washes, car boot sales and bag packing.

Other fundraising activities are also planned, including a celebrity golf day in May at Marriot Hollins Hall in Baildon and a summer gala in July at the force’s headquarters in Birkenshaw.

The appeal, backed by the Telegraph & Argus, aims to raise £100,000 for the unit, which was set up after the Valley Parade fire disaster in May, 1985.

Station manager Mick Brennan, who is co-ordinating the fundraising with watch manager Paul Austin, said: “Fifty six people died on that tragic day. People and communities are still affected by the aftermath of what happened. It’s a day everybody should remember not only in Bradford but across West Yorkshire.

“The unit which was set up afterwards has totally revolutionised burns research and treatment. Firefighters and people are all subject to the possibility of being burned so it’s an important cause to support.”

Firefighters will be collecting money at Odsal Stadium during the Bradford Bulls’ match against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday, May 23. Trainee firefighters will be in Midland Road along with a 1938 Dennis trailer pump before Bradford City’s match on Saturday, March 27, to collect further funds.

They will move to the refreshment area inside the football ground during half-time to collect more donations.

Training instructor Jimmy Johnstone said: “There will be four trainee firefighters from Lincolnshire as well as seven from West Yorkshire. As Bradford City were playing against Lincoln City on the day of the fire I think this event will be particularly poignant.”

The trainees will also be collecting at the White Rose Centre on Friday, March 19, from around 3.30pm.