A man who has spent his life living and working at Bingley's historic St Ives Country Park can now leave a permanent mark on estate.

Known locally as "Mr Ives" John Baxter, 56, was yesterday immortalised at the estate when a recently restored beauty spot was named after him.

Mr Baxter - who has worked on the estate for 40 years - recently uncovered the ornamental pond, which was rumoured to be the swimming pool of 18th century owners of St Ives, the Ferrand family.

A plaque calling it Baxter's Pond was unveiled at the site yesterday.

Ros Walker, chairman of the volunteer Friends of St Ives group which looks after the estate, said: "There wasn't any real reason to come to this part of the estate before but now there is.

"The uncovering of the pond coincided with his 40 years at the estate. He has lived here all his life. This is like his spiritual estate - it used to be his back garden. Everyone in the area used to refer to it as Baxter's Pond before we named it.

"There is now a permanent recognition of all his work."

Mr Baxter, whose idea it was to clear the pond, said: "It was overgrown and full to the top with leaves. We even found an iron bedstead in there. We cleared it up, cut the trees and bushes and sorted out the walls. There is a waterfall that runs down which makes it a beautiful feature."

The estate has always been a part of his life, his playground as a youngster and then his place of work.

He grew up on the estate in one of the cottages with his parents and started working as a trainee forester at the age of 15. The estate continues to have a special place in his heart.

The assistant trees and woodland manager for Bradford Council said: "It's not just like any park, it's special. You have woodland, open areas and wild life. I've always wanted to work outdoors."

As one of the longest-serving Council employees Mr Baxter has noticed many changes.

"It's got a lot busier. It used to be just locals but now you get so many visitors. It's opened up a lot - there used to be quite a number of areas that people could not get to but we've managed to change that."

But he says there are many secrets still waiting to be revealed.

"I would like to see it opened up more - I've found many interesting features that have become overgrown like another pond in the area. I've come across many surprises."

The pond was opened by the Friends of St Ives and Bradford Council.