A REUNION of former police officers has extended to inviting all retired bobbies who worked in Bradford.

Former civilian staff are also being welcomed to the event, which is due to take place at the Bradford Bulls stadium on October 19.

The get-together comes 40 years after the disbanding of Bradford City Police, which was replaced by West Yorkshire Police.

But organisers of the event have stressed that all retired officers and civilians who served in the Bradford district are invited to the reunion.

Former police sergeant Alan Pickles said: "We want the invite to go out to all ex-officers and staff who served at any time in the district and are now retired."

The event has been organised by the committee of Bradford National Association of Retired Police Officers.

Describing the event as the Grand Bradford reunion, the committee said it was the intention to run any future reunion for and on behalf of all retired officers, their spouses, their widows, widowers, and any civilian employee who worked in the Bradford divisions at any time during their police service.

The invite says: "If you have worked during your service in Bradford then you are eligible to attend the reunion and will be made most welcome. This is an ideal opportunity to come along and meet your former colleagues and friends from years gone by. Come along and "swing the lamp" and reminisce."

Bradford City Police reunions began five years after it was disbanded and there have been regular occasions since, with the last one held five years ago when nearly 200 people turned out.

Guests travel from as far as Australia for the gatherings, which give the former bobbies the chance to catch up and share old memories.

Former officer Alf Roper, 67, of Wyke, Bradford, said it was hoped there would be another good turnout.

He said: "It is a special event. It will be informal, a chance for a bunch of ex-bobbies to get together, reminisce, and have a laugh and a joke."

The event takes place in the executive suite at Odsal stadium on Sunday, October 19, from 2pm. Tickets cost £15, including "substantial buffet."

Tickets can be obtained by sending a cheque payable to Bradford Narpo, with a stamped addressed envelope to treasurer Michael Hollen, at 10, Wynford Way, Low Moor, Bradford BD12 0PQ.