Football fans who lost their lives in the Bradford City fire disaster will be remembered at a memorial tournament to mark its 25th anniversary.

The competition, which has been an annual event since 1986, will take place over the Easter bank holiday weekend, to honour the 56 people who lost their lives on May 11, 1985, when Bradford played Lincoln at Valley Parade in the final game of the season.

Youngsters from Lincoln City will join Bradford City, Bradford Park Avenue, Bingley, Sandy Lane and Silsden teams to take on sides from Germany and Ireland at the Marley Activities and Coaching Centre, Keighley, this weekend.

More than 10,000 people have taken part in the tournaments over the years, organised by Bradford Council’s Leisure Services and supported by Park Lane College, Keighley and the Prison Officers’ Association.

The memorial was the brainchild of former Bradford Council chief recreation officer Howell Williams, and since 2000 it has been organised by lifelong Bradford City fan Carl Dalton, who is manager of the Leisure Service’s community play and activities development unit.

The memorial is especially poignant for Mr Dalton as he was in the main stand when it became engulfed by the blaze just before half-time.

He said: “The tournament helps preserve the memory of those who died, provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what happened that day, and also lets us celebrate our future footballers.

“Whilst the tournament was born out of a tragedy that will always be remembered, it also gives us chance to look forward and see young footballers enjoying the tournament. It shows how sport can unite people.”