A PLAQUE commemorating the so-called ‘Bradford Jesus Man’ has been unveiled on a bench in the Shipley area.

The refurbished seat, complete with a dedication to Geoffrey Brindley, is on Wrose Road, Wrose, at the junction with Snowden Road.

The bench is in an area with a nice view over Shipley and Saltaire, and round to Baildon where Mr Brindley lived.

A friend of Mr Brindley, who wanted to stay anonymous, said: “I think it is brilliant. It brought a tear to my eye.

“Thanks to Mel Smith at Bradford Council for sorting this out and to Aaron and Josh for the fantastic job they did on the refurbishment.”

He added: “A fella spoke to me about the bench and Geoffrey. He said he was going to make sure his grandchildren know about the Bradford Jesus Man and who he is.

“That is the permanent thing.”

Mr Brindley, who died last August, was regularly spotted walking the streets in a brown robe and sandals, with a satchel around his neck.

Stephanie Wright, 68, of Baildon, said she remembered seeing Mr Brindley when she was 12.

Commenting on the bench, she said: “It is beautiful, it is superb. And he has got a good view.

“I do think it is very fitting. I think the wording on the plaque is absolutely wonderful.”

The plaque (pictured, left) and the refurbishment was paid for out of money raised via crowdfunding by Vicky Davis, of Low Moor.

Ms Davis said: “The bench and plaque will pay a tribute to his life. He was a very well known and liked man, not only in Bradford but people from all over the world knew him, and his legacy as Jesus Man will live on.

“I’d just like to thank all the people that donated to the fund for this to happen.

“I’m sure Geoffrey would be humbled with the gesture.”

Money donated by Pakistan-based solicitor Farrukh Qureshi will pay for another bench somewhere in Bradford city centre at a later date.