An online campaign calling for the so-called Bradford Jesus Man to become an Olympic torch-bearer has now been joined by nearly 23,000 people.

The Facebook group wants to nominate Geoffrey Brindley, also known as the Airedale Monk, for the honour ahead of London 2012. The campaign, started last month, had attracted 22,746 members by the weekend.

Mr Brindley has been roaming the streets of the district in a brown robe and sandals since the 1960s. Louise Szucs, 28, of Wyke, set up the group.

The Telegraph & Argus reported in 1960 how Mr Brindley, then 33, gave up his job as a machinist to live in a cave near Settle in order to receive a message from God. He spent 12 days in the cave before setting off back to Bradford wearing a habit.