No-one knows quite why Bradford City play in their distinctive claret and amber stripes.

Now a group of super-sleuth fans are determined to use the occasion of the club's centenary season to uncover the real story. Chief detective Dave Pendleton has been combing the archives.

He said "It would be great if someone knew the answer. It is possibly the most distinctive feature of the club. People will instinctively recognise the colours as belonging to Bradford City."

Mr Pendleton said there were several possible theories for the adoption of the colours - including one suggestion that they date back to 1066 and William the Conqueror.

But all that is known for certain is that City took their colours from their predecessors, Manningham Rugby Club who played at a ground in Carlisle Road, Manningham, and - until 1884 - wore a black and white kit.

In that year, the team appeared for the first time in their distinctive claret and amber hooped shirts - just two years before their move to Valley Parade.

Although pupils at Belle Vue Boys school used to wear claret and amber uniforms, they are not the civic colours of Manningham or Bradford.

Mr Pendleton said it was possible the colours dated back to the Norman invasion.

"Ilbert de Lacey was rewarded for his part in the Norman invasion by gaining the entire Manor of Bradford.

"Although there's no concrete evidence, can it be a coincidence that claret and amber are colours strongly connected with the Normans?

"To this day, claret and amber flags fly from castles in Normandy."

But Mr Pendleton admitted the colours, similar to those worn by Bradford Bulls, could have been randomly chosen.

Mr Pendleton, who is organising an exhibition to mark the centenary season, urged people with information to get in touch.

He is also seeking further exhibits after an "astonishing" response to a previous appeal in the Telegraph & Argus.

He wants to trace a man who offered an old turnstile from Valley Parade. Contact Dave Pendleton on 0771 2457490 or John Ashton on (01535) 645231.