LORD Mayor of Bradford Councillor Doreen Lee has spoken of the importance of remembering those who died in the Bradford City fire tragedy 36 years ago – and loved ones who continue to be affected.

She was among those to lay a wreath in a small, socially-distanced service at the fire memorial in Centenary Square.

Fifty-four Bradford City supporters and two travelling Lincoln fans died after the blaze broke out at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, when the Bantams were playing their final match of the season.

Hundreds more people were injured.

The latest wreath-laying ceremony was also attended by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, and representatives of the football clubs.

Footage of the service can be viewed at youtube.com/watch?v=09f0EEO_HVs.

The Bradford City FC flag was flown at half mast on the City Hall roof.

And smaller club flags were flown on the poles in Centenary Square.

The bells at City Hall played Abide With Me and You’ll Never Walk Alone at 11am on the day of the anniversary as a mark of respect.

Plus the clock tower was illuminated in claret and amber lights that evening in tribute.

Cllr Lee, a Keighley East ward councillor, said: “This anniversary is an incredibly important day for the city and for the district.

“Although the commemoration was once again online, it was no less poignant.

“We have taken a private moment to pay our respects and pay tribute to those who sadly lost their lives and the families affected by the tragedy to this day.”