THE Annual Civic Service of thanksgiving for the year in office of the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Zafar Ali, will be held at Bradford Cathedral on Thursday, March 21, at 5pm.

The service will be led by the Dean of Bradford, the Very Rev Jerry Lepine, who will also give the sermon.

Dean Jerry said: “The Cathedral is pleased to welcome the Civic community for this special moment in the year. The role of the Lord Mayor is deeply appreciated across the district in terms of both presence and encouragement of the many good things that are happening.

“To come to Bradford Cathedral to celebrate the Mayoral year has been part of the tradition in this city for many years. This is not just an event for those who work in City Hall but for the whole community and we would encourage everyone to come and join us.”

Mr Zulfi Karim, Deputy Lieutenant will attend the service on behalf of The Queen, as well as current and former councillors and invited guests. The Cathedral Choir will contribute a couple of choral pieces.

The Leader of Bradford Council, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe and Chief Executive of the Council Kersten England will give a reading on the day and the Lord Mayor will also be offering his reflections on his Mayoral year.

The Lord Mayor’s mace and ceremonial sword will be placed on the altar at the beginning of the Service and will remain throughout.

A collection will be taken for the Lord Mayor's Appeal charities, the Sue Ryder Manorland’s Hospice, and Bradford Nightstop.

Everyone is welcome at the service. Free refreshments will be served at the end.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Zafar Ali,said: "The service of Thanksgiving is an opportunity for us all to come together in harmony and peace and to give thanks and celebrate all the positives that have taken place during my civic year. I pledge to continue to work for the good of our community.”