Regardless of how many supposed green shoots of recovery have been spotted recently, there is no doubt that the recession still has a firm grip on us all.

So any construction project that is looking to go ahead in such tough conditions is bound to attract attention.

The proposed £4 million campus redevelopment at Bradford Grammar School is a case in point.

It would not be right, at this stage, to comment on the plans without first giving them a thorough examination.

Even so, the project is worth remarking on for the source of some of its funding – £1 million from an anonymous donor and a further $1 million from Roger Evans, a Bradford-born businessman now living in America. Both are former pupils.

Remarkably, this is the second time Mr Evans has done such a thing. In 2001 he flew in to see the opening of a new sixth form centre after giving a similar sum to the school.

Bradford Grammar deserves praise for having such a positive and lasting impression on some of its alumnae, while they also deserve recognition.

For here are two people who have obviously done very well for themselves and want to put something back – and that is a noble gesture.