The strains of You'll Never Walk Alone and Abide With Me rang out across a sun-kissed Centenary Square today as tearful relatives paid their respects to the victims of the Valley Parade fire disaster.

Twenty years on from the horrific fire which ripped through the old, wooden main stand, fans again made their annual pilgrimage to the disaster memorial in the heart of the city.

Some wearing smart suits and black ties, others in the club's distinctive claret and amber colours, young and old they paused for a minute in silence to remember those who died and were injured.

Around 300 friends, families, supporters and civic officials joined journalists and camera crews from around the world, huddled in the square as the short service took place.

There were tearful embraces as families who only meet on this solemn occasion each year were reunited to share their memories and grief.

Legendary City player Stuart McCall, who was in the team on the day of the disaster, joined members of the current playing squad and club officials in the crowds.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford's chaplain, Paul Flowers, leading the proceedings, said: "Twenty years ago today, as Bradford City played Lincoln City, the worst fire in the history of the game engulfed the old main stand at Valley Parade.

"Fifty-six people died and 265 were injured. But bald statistics cannot really tell the story of that day. For many, there were agonising waits at home as they watched on the television waiting for telephone calls or at hospital, not quite certain whether their loved ones were alive or dead.

"The fire service, along with their colleagues at all the other emergency services, made superhuman efforts to save lives. There were many other, unseen and unsung, acts of heroism and bravery on that day."

He said the disaster had brought together "a city, a region and a nation" in grief.

"People discovered a fresh sense of what was of most importance to them," he said.

"Today we recommit ourselves to remember all those who died as a result of the fire and to continue to support those whose lives were devastated by the fire and to remember with gratitude those who put their own lives at risk to save the lives of others."

Following a short prayer by the Bradford City club chaplain, the Reverend Martin Short, and a blessing from the Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James, dozens of wreaths complete with moving messages were placed around the disaster memorial.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Irene Ellison-Wood, laid a wreath, followed by Bradford City chairman Julian Rhodes and the Lord Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Eddie Strengiel.

From single red roses, to extravagant bouquets of claret, amber and white, a bright floral tribute was created in the heart of Centenary Square. A Bradford City scarf lay across the stone plinth in front of the memorial.

One of the messages read simply: "In memory of all those who lost their lives from very grateful parents whose two sons were saved."

Another said: "Gone from our sight, but never from our memories. Gone from our touch, but never from our hearts."

After the service, the families made their way into City Hall for a private civic reception.