BANTAMS fans are being encouraged to don flat caps to support the city's Burns Unit and set a world record on Easter Monday.

Jeremy White and Gavin Dimmock hope to raise more than £10,000 at the same time as setting a new Guinness World Record for the Greatest Number of Flat Caps at a Single Venue.

The endeavour will take place at Valley Parade immediately after Bradford City's game against Preston North End. Fans of both teams are encouraged to join in, with the cost of buying a flat cap going to the Burns Unit.

The idea came about after Mr White was approached to fundraise in the 30th anniversary year of the ground's fire tragedy.

He said he heard a piece about flat caps on the radio just before Christmas, and wondered if it was possible to produce a Bantams flat cap in "muted" claret and amber to commemorate the anniversary of the fire.

He approached fellow City fan Mr Dimmock and the project got under way.

To date, more than 530 flat caps have been sold, with many sent to fans around the world. Also, large bids have been put in for flat caps signed by Bantams players, including an offer of £556 for one autographed by striker James Hanson.

Mr White said: "We are sincerely grateful to have received such magnificent support from fellow Bradford City supporters. The sales of Bantams Flat Caps have been beyond our wildest dreams and we currently have orders for over 530 flat caps."

The pair has worked alongside weavers Mallalieus of Delph, near Oldham, and cap manufacturer Lawrence and Foster to design the bespoke British tweed cloth for the caps.

Mr Dimmock said: "As an avid flat cap wearer and a Bradford City fan who was at Valley Parade on the day of the fire, I never thought my habit of wearing caps would lead to raising so much money for a cause so close to my heart and the hearts of all Bradford City supporters."

The attempt to set the record followed on from the success of the hat sales and has been supported by City directors, officials and fans and by the Burns Unit, which was set up after the fire.

Fans of both football clubs who want to take part in the world record attempt should stay in Valley Parade when the match finishes. They will then be directed to the Kop by club officials and stewards.

Each participant must wear a flat cap - it doesn't need to be a Bantams Flat Cap - for the full five-minute duration of the attempt.

Participants will be given a numbered wristband and also be asked to leave the stadium through a designated exit to verify numbers.

A limited number of Bantams Flat Caps are available at City's club shop.

Mr White and Mr Dimmock will be in the shop between 1.15pm and 2.40pm on Monday with additional stock.