STRONG winds prevented a former Lord Mayor of Bradford’s plans to climb aboard an ‘elephant’ to help promote a charity event in aid of disabled people.

Barry Thorne, of Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure, had hoped to clambered on to Lucy the elephant outside Aagrah Midpoint.

The venue is hosting a fundraising awards ceremony on May 10 where the award for the district’s Disabled Sports Person of the Year will be presented.

The accolade is in memory of Sajid Sabir, who had a disability and enjoyed sport. Sajid was the son of Aagrah chairman Mohammed Sabir.

The evening is in aid of disabled cyclists joining a bike ride from Bradford to Hamm, and also to send disabled athletes to the Special Olympics.

Mr Thorne, who last climbed on the elephant in 1992 when he was Lord Mayor, spoke of the importance of the fundraising event.

He said: “A, it is to enable the disabled athletes to cycle to Germany for the first time ever and B, we are sending one of the largest teams to the Special Olympics in August.

“This is all enabled because of the generosity of events like this.

“It will lead to some success for Bradford. People will come back with big achievements, either with medals or with an experience of the cycle.”

Mr Thorne added: “The Aagrah is proud to announce the second Sports Award in memory of Sajid Sabir - the son of chairman Mohammed Sabir who enjoyed sport and had a disability.

“Thanks to The Aagrah for sponsoring and hosting the awards at Aagrah Midpoint suite in Thornbury. All the money raised will be for Bradford Disability Sports and Leisure.

“The evening will start at 6pm and the award for the Disabled Sports Person of the Year, male and female, will be presented during the event. The evening will include a meal, entertainment, raffles and many other things. The tickets are £20 each.”

Anyone who would like a ticket - there are 400 available - should contact 01274 437093 or bsr1@btconnect.com.

Organisers are also interested in hearing from people who could donate prizes for the raffles or auction.

Mr Thorne said: “If people want to donate anything for our auction or raffles, or even to sponsor the event, please get in touch.

“If you have a prize please let me know two weeks before what it is so I can publish it.”