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Liverpool FC and Everton FC captains Steven Gerrard and Phil Jagielka will release 96 balloons from Anfield to mark the 26th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Tributes will be paid across the city tomorrow in memory of the 96 fans who died at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989.

A memorial service, organised by the Hillsborough Family Support Group, will be held at the Liverpool FC ground at 2.45pm.

Chairwoman Margaret Aspinall told the ECHO 96 balloons would be released during the service by Phil Jagielka and Steven Gerrard, whose cousin Jon Paul Gilhooley, 10, was the youngest victim of the tragedy.

She said former Reds star John Aldridge and ex-Everton player Graham Stuart would give readings at the service.

Coronation Street and Downton Abbey actress Sue Johnston is also set to say a few words.

Inquests into the 96 deaths are currently on a two-week break and are expected finish early next year.

Margaret, whose son James was 18 when he died at Hillsborough, said: “This year is that little bit harder.

“With going to courts every day you have so much on your mind so it is very difficult.”

Between 8,000 and 10,000 people are expected to attend the service, which the public had to apply to get tickets for.

Margaret said: “Seeing people there gives everybody strength.”

A minute’s silence is due to be held at the service and across the city at 3.06pm – the time the match was stopped on April 15, 1989.

Public transport has also been encouraged to come to a halt for one minute at that time.

The Mersey Ferry will sound its horn and the barriers will be lowered at the Mersey tunnels for a minute.

Liverpool council said flags on civic buildings would be flown at half-mast and bells across the city, including at the Town Hall and Municipal Building, would be rung 96 times.

The Lime Street media wall will display an image of those who lost their lives in a visual tribute to the 96.

Margaret said: “I think it’s wonderful that the city is doing this. We haven’t asked for this to happen, we’ve just been told it is happening.

“I think it’s so nice and it shows the 96 are never forgotten – and I don’t think they ever will be.”

The Hillsborough Justice Campaign (HJC) will mark the day by laying a wreath at the Hillsborough monument on Old Haymarket, near St John’s Gardens in the city centre.

Sheila Coleman, from the HJC, said: “It’s become tradition for us to walk from the HJC shop to the eternal flame at Anfield to lay a wreath and say a few words.

“Because of the stadium works the flame isn’t there at the moment. We are putting on a coach for some survivors to go back to Sheffield for the service there and we will also be meeting by the monument in the city centre at 2.45pm, where we’ll lay a wreath and observe a minute’s silence at 3.06pm.

“Anyone who is in the city centre and would like to join us is more than welcome.”

The HJC shop, on Walton Breck Road near the stadium, will also be open throughout the afternoon.