GIGGLESWICK man Trevor Hicks has welcomed the unlawful killing verdicts on the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

Mr Hicks' two teenage daughters, Sarah and Vicki, were among the 96 Liverpool fans who died as thousands of fans were crushed at Sheffield Wednesday's ground on April 15, 1989.

He has led a long-campaign for justice for those who were killed and was a awarded a CBE in the 2015 New Year's Honours List.

And, on Tuesday, his persistence paid off, with the inquest jury deciding that police planning errors had 'caused or contributed' to the dangerous situation on the day and that the tragedy had happened "as a result of crushing in the central pens of the Leppings Lane terrace, following the admission of a large number of supporters to the stadium through the exit gates".

And they answered yes to the question: "Was there any error or omission in police planning or preparation which caused or contributed to the dangerous situation that developed on the day of the match?"

The Hillsborough tragedy unfolded during Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest.

Speaking at the conclusion of the longest jury proceedings in British legal history, businessman Mr Hicks said campaigners had done their job and would now keep a close eye on the work of the CPS.

He also urged South Yorkshire Police to face up to the jury's finding of unlawful killing.

Mr Hicks said: "We've known all along what happened. Obviously it's took us 20-odd years to get here."

He added: "We have to hand over now. The arms of the state should be working for us now rather than against us.

"We've done our job to get us here. We have exceeded all expectations."

Sarah and Vicki had been standing in the central pens on the Leppings Lane terrace after being separated from their father.