A memorial to the victims of one of Bradford's worst tragedies is to be erected after a campaign by a local historian.

A remembrance stone and plaque will be unveiled in West Bowling for the 54 people who lost their lives when a chimney collapsed at Newlands Mill 120 years ago.

Alan O'Day Scott, pictured, of the West Bowling Local History Newsletter, has been campaigning for a memorial since discovering reports of the disaster in old copies of the Telegraph & Argus.

He said: "We have a memorial to the victims of Chernobyl in Bradford but we do not have anything remembering those who died in one of our own biggest disasters. That was something I wanted to put right because it is an important part of our heritage."

A relative of two of the victims of the tragedy said he was delighted with the news.

Four aunts of 82-year-old Maurice Lumb were working at the mill when the disaster occurred.

One of them, Ellen Lumb, was killed while her sister, Clara, was left bedridden by her injuries.

Mr Lumb, now of Dudley Hill, said: "It is lovely that we will finally have something to remind us of these people who suffered so terribly.

"I can vividly remember sitting by my aunt's bedside as an eight-year-old listening to her radio. Everybody was affected by the disaster.

"I am just surprised it has taken so long for something to be done."

The stone, costing £1,000 which will be met by Bradford Trident, is to be placed 200 yards from the scene of the disaster at the corner of St Stephen's Road and Gaythorne Road in West Bowling.

It is hoped it will be unveiled in time for the 120th anniversary of the tragedy, which happened on December 28, 1882. The disaster occurred when the 225ft chimney, weighing 4,000 tons, collapsed, crushing the mill below it.

As well as the many deaths, 70 people were injured in the rubble.