The Telegraph & Argus celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and in honour of the occasion we are printing a story from our archives every day for 150 days.

Today we look at the Telegraph & Argus Tuesday, May 24, 1977: Following the sad news of the death of the former Lord Mayor, Paul Hockney, one of the most influential players in Bradford’s civic and political life during the 1970s and 80s, today we look at the proud moment he took office in May 1977.

Famed for always wearing a pair of Jubilee socks as part of his office outfit, Mr Hockney announced that during his term, half the money raised in Bradford for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee appeal, would be used to start a permanent camp site for young people in the district. The 24-acre site at Morton Banks, East Riddlesden, was reported to be the most ambitious youth project ever launched in Bradford, making his year in office a great success.

Retiring from the council in May 1984, Mr Hockney had also lectured at Bradford Technical college between 1963 and 1966, before embarking on his own artistic career by taking art classes in 1971, modestly signing his work “Paul.”