Doves fly for peace in Bradford

Many areas of Bradford show the scars of violence

A flock of doves has been released in Bradford by schoolchildren from multi-cultural backgrounds to mark a year since the city's riots.

The event, on Friday, was designed to raise the profile of the work by communities in the city to shake off its tarnished reputation.

Three hundred police officers were injured in the violence, which began in the Whetley Hill and Manningham areas on 7 July 2001.

The event was the city's first annual celebration of living and working harmoniously across cultures.

Rioting began after a march by the National Front

The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David Smith, is leading the event at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

Everybody at the ceremony wrote messages of hope on a 50-feet-long sheet that will be displayed in Bradford throughout the year.

The speakers include Shipley MP Chris Leslie and Professor Paul Rogers of the University of Bradford's peace studies department.

Last year's violence started after an Anti-Nazi League demonstration against a march by the National Front.

Gangs of Asian and white youths fought running battles with police who were pelted with bricks, bottles, petrol bombs and fireworks and attacked with baseball bats and hammers.

Bravery awards

Two people were stabbed and numerous cars set on fire.

After the disturbances, 137 people were charged with riot. Some have since been jailed for up to six-and-a-half years.

A further 11 people were jailed for violent disorder offences and police investigations are still continuing.

Earlier this week, all West Yorkshire and British Transport Police officers who helped restore peace to the area were honoured at the annual Police Bravery Awards ceremony in London.