A SPECIAL celebration was held at Bradford City Hall to mark Black History Month.

The event included singing, dancing, speeches, poetry, as well awards for community groups and individuals to mark, and celebrate, the contribution of African and African Caribbean people to the district.

Organiser Charles Dacres, of Bradford Council, said: "It's important to recognise people's achievements. It's creating those role models for young people to look up to."

He added that next year would mark the 70th anniversary of the Windrush - when the first Commonwealth citizens from the Caribbean docked in Tilbury, Essex in June 1948 - and he hoped there would be a massive community effort to celebrate the first cohort of settlers coming into the district.

Councillor Doreen Lee, the Deputy Mayor of Bradford, opened the afternoon and said: "To see the contribution you make to the country and to the city is fabulous."

Black History Month is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and events are held across the country to mark the occasion.