Candles were lit in Bradford today in memory of the 238 people who have been murdered in the last year for being transgender.

The annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance also commemorated those who have been killed for being a partner, family member or friend of a transgender person.

Transgender groups Trans+ve and safe-T joined forces with Bradford Council for the event, with candles lit at the entrance to City Hall as the names of those killed – and how they died – were read out and displayed on the big screen in City Park.

Representatives from local businesses, volunteer organisations, educational establishments and members of the public sector were then invited to sign a pledge to work with the local trans-community to develop zero tolerance to transphobia.

Event organiser Saorsa Tweedale, of Trans+ve, said: “It is an excessively important day.

"The signing of this pledge is a groundbreaking initiative by Bradford, and will hopefully show that we are a leader and torchbearer for other cities to copy.

“Transphobia kills hundreds each year, probably thousands if one counts those who take their own lives due to intolerance and abuse.

“Organisations, by openly displaying that they are trans-positive and have trans policies and practices, can help save lives and educate people in what is a very misunderstood and marginalised area of diversity.”

Julia Grant, who starred in a documentary about her sex change, was among more than 50 people at the event’s opening.

She said: “I am very proud of Bradford for doing this event.”