Around 700 young footballers from across Europe will mark the 20th anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster when they take part in a special Easter tournament.

The youngsters from three countries travel to Keighley this weekend for the Valley Parade Memorial Tournament.

The tournament was first organised the year after the disaster, by former council officer Howell Williams. It has been held annually ever since.

In 2000 lifelong Bantams fan Carl Dalton took over the organisation of the event.

Mr Dalton was at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, when fire engulfed the main stand at Valley Parade, claiming the lives of 56 supporters and injuring 265. Now, 20 years on, Mr Dalton says this year's tournament will take on an extra-special significance.

"It was a massive tragedy felt by the whole city," said Mr Dalton.

"This is an opportunity for the community to remember those who lost their lives 20 years ago."

Mr Dalton, who was 17 at the time of the fire, said that the tournament served an important function in educating children about the disaster.

"Most of the players will not have even been born when the disaster happened," he said.

"The tournament was set up to be a positive memorial to the victims of the tragedy - we try to foster links between children from other countries and build friendships through football."

Under-12 and under-14 teams representing clubs from Bradford, Germany, Holland and Ireland will convene on Marley Activities and coaching Centre in Keighley for the two-day tournament taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

The winning teams will be presented with medals by the Lord Mayor of Bradford councillor Irene Ellison-Wood and Bradford City stars Danny Forrest and Wayne Jacobs.

Around 300 of the youngsters taking part will be given free tickets to watch the Bantams' match against Stockport County on Bank Holiday Monday.

Wendy Kestin, customer liaison manger at Valley Parade, said: "We are pleased to again support the Valley Parade tournament. We look forward to welcoming young players from all over Europe to the tournament and to Valley Parade for City's game on Monday.

"It's great that 20 years on from the tragedy we are able to commemorate those who lost their lives with something so positive."