More than 2,000 people basked in yesterday’s sunshine to enjoy a parade in Girlington, Bradford, which organisers hope will become an annual event.

The event, which is in its second year, is a celebration of the area’s international community.

The world’s oldest married couple Karam and Kartari Chand, who live in Girlington, led the way at the head of the parade in an open-top car.

Mr Chand, 107, and his wife, 100, who have been married for 87 years, were invited to be VIPs for the day by the parade organisers yesterday.

The procession wound its way through the community’s heart from West Park to Durham Road.

The theme of this year’s event was International May Day which saw youngsters at Whetley, St Philip’s and Girlington Primary Schools, St Edmund’s Nursery and Children’s Centre dressed in colourful costumes detailing the flags from some of the many countries which make up their neighbourhood.

The children also played musical instruments and waved flags along the route with bundles of energy.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith, was a special guest as well as ward councillors, police chiefs and faith leaders – cheered on by happy crowds.

He said: “It was privilege to be a part of the parade. I felt very at home in the community, my mother was born in the area.

“What was particularly nice to see was some children held two flags, one for Pakistan and one for England which was lovely as they were celebrating the heritage of both.

“I think it was great for the community to celebrate in each other’s successes and it is great for the children to remember their heritage.”

The event was funded by the West Area office of Bradford Council’s neighbourhood services and was organised by the primary schools, the Girlington Centre, CNet, St Philip’s Church, the police and fire service and other organisations.

Last year’s event saw a similar number of people attend and was under the theme of jubilee celebrations.

CNet community development worker Muppett, who was one of the organisers, said: “It was a fantastic day, the weather was great again.

“Children had huge smiles on their faces which was lovely to see, they designed their own costumes and wore their national flag. There are about 60 different communities living in Girlington.

“Quite often there is bad news circulating about Girlington but today it was a place to be proud of.

“We hope to make it an annual event like Ilkley Carnival. It is a popular event which brings the whole community together.”