MORE than 200 stars will be hung on City Hall’s Christmas tree tomorrow evening at a ceremony marking the end of this year’s Christmas Stars Appeal.

The golden stars are dedicated to loved ones who have died in the Bradford district, as well as to those who have made significant contributions to their communities throughout the year.

At the ceremony tomorrow in the Banqueting Hall of City Hall, members of the public will be invited by the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid to hang their stars on the Christmas tree.

The Christmas Stars Appeal is run annually to support the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

This year the Lord Mayor has chosen to support YoungMinds, which offers help and support to children and young people suffering with mental health issues.

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The stars cost £5 each, and all money raised from the appeal is donated to YoungMinds.

The Lord Mayor will be hanging his own star on the tree, in memory of his friend and former colleague the Reverend Vernon Marsh, who died from an incurable brain disease in May.

Rev Marsh studied at Wesley House in Cambridge with the Lord Mayor between 1969 and 1971, and retired as Sheffield Methodist District Chairman in 2015.

Rev Marsh then became chairman of the Touchstone Council in Bradford.

The Lady Mayoress will also be hanging a star on the tree, dedicated to her parents and brother-in-law.

The Lord Mayor said: “This is a really nice way for people to think about those they care about, especially at this special time of year, as well as raise money for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal.

“I decided to dedicate my Christmas Star to my good friend Vernon.

“He was really looking forward to making a contribution to the churches and faiths of Bradford, so it was sad that he died suddenly from an incurable brain disease in May before he had chance to do this.

“His death came the week before my installation as Lord Mayor, which is such a shame as I am sure that it would have given him much pleasure to see this.”

Former Lord Mayor Cllr Mike Gibbons will also be hanging a star on the tree, in memory of his father, William Gibbons.

Cllr Gibbons said the Christmas Stars ceremony was one of the highlights of his year as Lord Mayor.

People who purchased a star will be attending the reception tomorrow at 5pm to meet the Lord Mayor and hang their stars on the tree.

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