THOUSANDS of people joined the Archbishop of York in the centre of Bradford to remember the victims of the Valley Parade fire disaster 25 years on.

More than 2,000 club supporters and survivors of the tragedy, many wearing Bantams shirts and scarves, were joined by representatives from Bradford City, the emergency services and dignitaries for an outdoor memorial service yesterday.

A quarter of a century may have passed since the fire ripped through the stadium’s main stand, claiming the lives of 56 fans and injuring hundreds more, but the events of that day still appeared to be fresh in many people’s minds.

Tears were shed as prayers were said to commemorate those who died and as scores of floral tributes were laid at the foot of the Bradford City fire memorial stone.

Young and old were united in collective sorrow as they sang the football anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone and the hymn Abide With Me, accompanied by The City of Bradford Brass Band.

Dr John Sentamu, in his address at the service, said: “Every community that forgets its memories becomes senile so you, the city of Bradford, do well to remember the Bradford City fire disaster.”

Also at the service was the Oberburgermeister of Hamm, Bradford’s twin city, and representatives from Lincoln City, who were also playing at Valley Parade on the day of the fire. Former Bradford City players at the ceremony included Stuart McCall who closed his eyes for much of the service as he clutched a wreath.

Among the onlookers was life-long City fan Tony Archer, of Odsal, who was at the ground with his father, wife and two young daughters, when the tragedy struck.

He said: “It’s the first memorial service I’ve been to as I have not felt able to come.

“With it being 25 years I made a special effort to come. I can feel the heat of the fire now just thinking about it.”

The day of memorial also included a short service at 3pm at the ground to coincide with the start of the fateful match and a remembrance service at Bradford Cathedral for families and friends of those who died.

A refurbished memorial stone was also unveiled by the Hamm Strasse and Manningham Lane junction.