HUNDREDS of schoolchildren from all over the Bradford district descended on Centenary Square today to send the Queen a special birthday message.

The square in Bradford city centre was filled with youngsters waving flags and singing as the celebrations took place to mark the Queen's official 90th birthday.

Organised by One Britain One Nation - led by former Bradford police inspector Kash Singh - and Bradford Council, the schoolchildren and were led on a parade around the Mirror Pool in City Park by Bradford Youth Brass Band and musicians from the Punjabi Roots Academy, before congregating in Centenary Square.

There, following short speeches from Mr Singh and the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Geoff Reid, there was a rendition of the national anthem, followed by the singing of 'Happy Birthday' and three cheers for the Queen.

There were more performances from the Bradford Youth Brass Band, and pupils from Wibsey Primary School performed their original song 'Wear Your Crown with Pride'.

Speaking at the event, founder of One Britain One Nation, Mr Singh expressed his pride at the success of the event.

Mr Singh said: "I feel very, very proud indeed.

"Having been a police inspector in this city to see people from all of the city's different backgrounds coming together in solidarity to celebrate this momentous occasion has been touching and inspirational.

"To see the future of our city taking part in this has been truly humbling; it's been fantastic."

Mr Singh said that the early morning rain had worried him slightly but he was thankful that the weather had cleared up just in time for the celebrations, and also paid tribute to the Council for its support.

"I am so grateful to the leadership team at Bradford Council, without them and their support this great event would not have been possible."

Former Lord Mayor, Cllr Mike Gibbons (Ilkley, Conservative) praised Mr Singh for his efforts in bringing the community together for the event.

He said: "Kash has worked and worked for months organising this event and many more around the district, and credit where credit is due, pulling together all these events is an amazing effort."

Cllr Gibbons also paid tribute to the Queen, who he described as "the absolute symbol of our nation".

"She is the embodiment of all that is good about Britain and serving it."

Deputy Lieutenant to Roger Bowers, who represents the Queen in West Yorkshire, echoed Cllr Gibbons sentiments.

He said: "The Queen has been incredible; I've had the pleasure to meet her twice, and her energy and commitment are amazing, especially now she is 90 years old.

"There will never be anyone like her again, she is an icon."