A BRADFORD man who now teaches English in Spain joined forces with pupils and colleagues to raise money for the Bradford Burns Unit.

Bantams fan Thomas Slack wanted to do something in memory of those who died in the Valley Parade fire 30 years ago.

So, at the secondary school in Madrid where he teaches, he organised a non-uniform day - where pupils wore football jerseys from clubs such as Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona - and a staff versus pupils football match.

He also hosted an assembly at the school to educate pupils on the events and consequences of that day in 1985.

The 30-year-old, who is originally from Eccleshill, hailed the event a success as more than 620 Euros were donated, with more still to come.

"It was a great success," said Mr Slack. "We managed to raise more than expected - 620 Euros with more to come after the holidays. A lot of pupils contributed more than the amount of two euros asked for.

"They really seemed to take on board what it was for and a lot are now City fans! I am very proud of their effort and how they seem to care about the charity and why it was set up."

Mr Slack's efforts were also recognised by City's players. He said: "I had a surprise in another assembly. A colleague of mine knows Alan Sheehan as they come from the same place and he told him about the event.

"Alan then organised a video message to myself and the school, read by Stephen Darby, with the squad in the background, which was shown in the assembly.

"My colleagues managed to keep this a secret and surprised me in front of 250 pupils. I think it is fair to say I was a little emotional."

He added: "It was a message saying well done on the good work promoting the charity in Madrid and that the good work doesn't go unnoticed by the club.

"Stephen Darby knew I flew to the Chelsea game and said he hoped I enjoyed it as much they did. It was great of them to go to that effort as they didn't need to do it."

Mr Slack, wearing his Bantams shirt, scored the winning goal in the football match, which was won by the teachers 4-3, after being 2-0 down.

"It was nearly Chelsea all over again," said Thomas, who was a pupil at St Bede's Grammar School and moved to Madrid in August 2013. "The football game was a great occasion, with pre-match music and ongoing commentary on the sound system from the older pupils. During the game there were chants of 'Bradford City' from the pupils on the sidelines and a pitch invasion at the final whistle. I was mobbed for scoring the winning goal!

"It was great to see how football can bring people together and it was a fitting tribute to all those affected by the fire."