The Lord Mayor of Bradford has unveiled a programme of events for his chosen charity, culminating in a day of dance in City Park.

Coun Khadim Hussain announced details of his plans to support Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure through his Lord Mayor’s Appeal, as he met pupils at Southfield School who will be joining 20 disabled athletes from the city in Bradford’s twin town, Hamm, in Germany, in September.

Coun Hussain said his autistic grandson, Mohammad Hudhayfah, had inspired him to choose a disability charity during his year in office, which would have a theme of “being inclusive and celebrating diversity”.

“This is something I am very passionate about,” he said. “These people may have a disability, but they are very able people and I want to open up provision for them. BDSL is my favourite charity.

“Some very good work is being done in the district. My grandson is autistic and without organisations like this, he would have suffered. I don’t only want to raise funds for them, but to raise awareness in a big way. This is something very close to my heart.”

The events will begin with a Yorkshire Day lunchtime celebration at City Hall on Thursday, August 1, followed by a pie and pea evening at Copper Beech social club in Baildon on Friday, August 9.

A family fun run will be held at the Marley Stadium in Keighley on Saturday, September 14, before a Spanish evening and dinner dance at the Dubrovnik Hotel, including performances by flamenco dancers, on Friday, October 18.

Other fundraising events in the pipeline include cycle races, swims, a basketball competition and a Bradford Disability Football penalty shoot-out.

But the main event will held in City Park next year, with a day of dance, featuring line dancing, belly dancing and other street entertainment.

Barry Thorne, of BDSL, which offers people with disabilities the chance to take part in sport, said: “Our last lottery grant has run out, so we are very grateful to be the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity.”

For more information about any of the events should contact Mr Thorne on (01274) 437093 or 07788 995914 or e-mail bsr1@btconnect.com.