AN EXHIBITION showing how Bradford came together in the aftermath of the Valley Parade disaster starts at the city's police museum tomorrow.

It features a display of photographs and objects that highlight Bradfordians' strength in the face of the tragedy.

Martin Baines, director of Bradford Police Museum, said: "The display has been created in honour of the 56 people who lost their lives as a result of the fire and as a tribute to the courage and resolve of the people of Bradford. Both afterwards and on the day itself."

Mr Baines was a Lidget Green-based police sergeant at the time of the fire. He was not on duty on May 11, 1985, but some of the officers he was in charge of were.

"Most of my memories are of how Bradford came together and stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of this enormous tragedy.

"I think it said a lot about Bradford and the city and the nature of the people here and how they came together. It was the whole of Bradford that came together.

The exhibition includes a gallantry medal given to Chief Inspector Terry Slocombe, and a letter to Mr Slocombe from Chief Constable Colin Sampson praising civilians and police officers for their selflessness and bravery on the day.

It will also highlight those who received Chief Constable's Commendation, including St John Ambulance volunteer Christopher Fisher, who saved someone from the blaze.

There is also a match day programme from the fixture, scarves from Bradford City and Lincoln City, and a list of the people who died.

One picture shows a hand-written note with a £1 coin attached to it, and the words: "I am sorry I cannot afford more. I hope this helps just a little."

Another shows a note from some Scunthorpe United supporters offering their sympathy, and there are photographs from the tenth anniversary of the disaster.

There are also photographs from the unveiling of a memorial to the tragedy, and pictures from memorial services that took place in the months after the fire.

Gerry Marsden, who recorded a version of You'll Never Walk Alone, is pictured on a number of photographs, while Prince Charles and Princess Diana feature on photos of them visiting injured people at Pinderfields Hospital.

The Bradford Fire Appeal Trustees are also featured on a picture, as do firefighters from Northampton as they lay a wreath, and the then Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mohammed Ajeeb.

A selection of colourful pictures show a rematch between the England and West Germany teams from the 1966 World Cup final that was held to raise funds for the burns unit - with England winning 6-4.

Mr Baines said: "It highlights how Bradford came together in a time of crisis. We cover some bravery from on the day and the reaction in Bradford after the fire, without singling anyone out."

"We wanted to mark the anniversary in a way that shows how Bradford comes together.

"Most of our volunteers at the museum are connected to the fire and they wanted to commemorate in a way that was fitting. We got together with Alan Carling of the Bradford City Supporters Board and Terry Slocombe and decided to tell the story of how Bradford came together and the heroes of the day, who were not just police officers but the so many people who carried out acts of bravery on the day."

The cost of entry to the exhibition, which has been created in conjunction with the Telegraph & Argus, will be given to the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit at the University of Bradford, said Mr Baines.

The exhbition will be open to the public during the museum's usual opening hours, starting tomorrow between 11am and 3pm, and continuing on Saturday from 12pm to 4pm and Friday and Saturday next week.

The Bradford Police Museum is located at Bradford City Hall and provides an insight into the history of policing, criminal justice, civic enforcement and the development of crime and punishment in Bradford from the early 19th century onwards.

It is situated on the site of the original 19th century police station in City Hall which was operational between 1874 and 1974.

Entrance to the museum is £4 for adults, £3 for children, £12 for a family of four (two adults and two children), and £3 for those aged 65 and over. For more details ring 01274 510245 or 07798 518035, or email info@bradfordpolicemuseum.com.

Alternatively, visit www.twitter.com/@BD1policemuseum, www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bradford-Police-Museum, or bradfordpolicemuseum.com.