FAMILIES who lost relatives during the Hillsborough tragedy almost 20 years ago gathered at Liverpool Town Hall yesterday.

Members of the Hillsborough Family Support Group met Lord Mayor Steve Rotheram after the announcement that the families of the 96 fans who died are to be awarded the Freedom of the City.

The Hillsborough families will join Liverpool’s Freedom Roll of Association in a ceremonylater this year.

Trevor Hicks, who lost both his daughters Sarah, 19 and Victoria, 15, in the disaster, said the families were pleased to be recognised.

“Lots of things have been done but this is the final recognition, not of the sacrifice of the 96 but of the hard work and friendship we have given each other,” he said.

Mr Hicks was accompanied by four women who had all lost family members at the FA Cup semi-final clash between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.

He said: “Everyone talks about this being the 20th anniversary year, but for us it is just another year. People say time heals, but it doesn’t get any easier.

“ I lost my daughters. The death of the 96 is such a waste of opportunity. They were a lot of talented people who never got the opportunity to develop.”

The inquiry into the disaster, the Taylor Report, named the cause as failure of police control, and it resulted in the conversion of many football stadiums to all-seater and the removal of barriers at the front of stands.

But the Hillsborough Family Support Group is still fighting for justice and the truth about what happened.

A private prosecution was brought against two police officers but was later abandoned.

Mr Hicks said: “I’ve heard that it takes 26 years for justice in a case so maybe we’ve got a few more years of fighting.

“We feel there was a stitch up and no-one has taken responsibility or said who is to blame.

“In a few years time we hope someone will blow the whistle and tell us what really happened.”

He added: “One of the major contributions our group has made has been that football is safe again for families, with all seater stadiums that meet safety requirements.”

Cllr Rotheram said he was among the fans who had tickets.