The town’s young footballers joined the rest of the nation in marking the 30th anniversary of the Bradford City fire.

Dunmow United Wolves U8 players were the southernmost team to commemorate the tragedy, in which 56 football supporters died and countless were injured after an accidental blaze started at the Valley Parade stadium on May 11, 1985.

In memory of the terrible events and the bravery of the emergency services, the youngsters wore the badge of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit at Bradford University (PSBRU) for their April 26 game against Torquespeed Sharks, as well as donating their match day funds to the charity.

“I recently discussed the sad event with a couple of the boys who suggested the idea,” Wolves manager Adrian Warren told the Broadcast.

“Important lessons have been learnt since that day in 1985 and we share with all the football world the opportunity to remember and help others affected by one of the most terrible tragedies to hit English football.”

A minute’s silence was held before all Premier and Football league matches to mark the anniversary of the fire, thought to have started accidentally after a spectator dropped a lit cigarette under a wooden stand.

Alan Carling, chair of the remembrance panel at Bradford City Football Club said: “Thank you Wolves for your support - you are the southernmost club to pledge active participation in the commemoration and we appreciate your participation.”

Mr Ajay Mahajan, PSBRU director, added:

“Thank you very much for doing this and having our cause in your hearts. The younger generation were obviously not there when it had happened 30 years ago, but they would be able to appreciate and learn about it through events such as this.

“We at the plastic surgery and burns unit are very grateful to you for helping in raising funds for our unit. It is kind gestures such as these that help us continue with our work to help improve healthcare for the future.”