The last direct descendant of a family which ran Listers textile empire in Bradford has died aged 94.

Graham Watson, of Heaton Rise, off Emm Lane, was a former managing director of the historic Manningham Mills.

He had followed in the footsteps of his father William Watson and his grandfathers when he took over the running of the business from 1950 to 1959.

Mr Watson, who never married, studied mathematics at Cambridge University and achieved a degree in 1930 and a masters four years later. He became an honorary fellow and has a collection of books at Emmanuel College Library.

Historian Councillor Stan-ley King said the family played a significant part in the commercial and civic life of Bradford for almost a century. "They took over Listers from its founder Samuel Cunliffe Lister (Lord Masham) and for about 80 years it was not only a major employer but a world famous manufacturer of velvet silk and other materials," he said.

"Mr Watson was a bachelor, a generous giver who did a lot of good in quiet ways and who enjoyed life in his own distinctive way - for example he rode a motorbike until he was over 90."

He was a former chairman of Bradford Magistrates, a governor of Bradford Grammar School, senior vice-president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce and received an MBE in 1944 for his role as commander of the Auxiliary Fire Service.

He was also a founder member of the Yorkshire Dales Society and served on the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority from 1951 to 1973.

He gave land valued at millions of pounds in Wharfedale to the National Trust when his younger brother David died 14 years ago.

Eugene Nicholson, senior keeper at Bradford Industrial Museum, said Mr Watson donated historic items from Manningham Mills to the city. "He was an energetic man, he did a lot of mountaineering, climbing, walking and riding his motorcycle," he said.

Mr Watson died at Cottingley Hall Nursing Home, Bingley, on Monday. A funeral service will be held at St Barnabas Church in Heaton on Tuesday.