TRIBUTE is being paid to two popular former teachers.

Parts of a new development being built on the old Bronte Middle School site in Bogthorn, Keighley, are being named in honour of the duo.

Ray Garner and Rod Fletcher both taught at the Oakworth Road school, which closed nearly two decades ago following the restructuring of schooling in the district from three to two tiers.

Now, a 44-apartment ‘extra care’ scheme at the site is to be called Fletcher Court and a public room within the building will be known as the Garner Suite. The teachers were chosen for recognition following a vote by ex-Bronte pupils.

The initiative was staged in the wake of a hugely-successful reunion event, held by Worth Valley Young Farmers Club and Manorlands fundraiser Andrew Wood just before the school building was demolished.

Skools Out Forever raised over £10,000 for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

But the plans to immortalise the two teachers, originally by naming streets after them, almost fell by the wayside.

“Persimmon withdrew from developing the site and the policy on naming streets in honour of living people changed so things did not look very promising,” said Mr Wood.

“But since new plans for the site were announced in 2016, Bradford Council has been great. It put the story to architects Langtry Langton and developers Wildgoose Construction Ltd, both of whom have been very accommodating.

“Sadly Mr Garner passed away in 2016, but we know he was thrilled that he was going to be remembered on the school site in some way.

“We also think it is very apt, bearing in mind Mr Fletcher was a legendary badminton coach, that ‘sir’ should have a ‘court’ named after him!”

Mr Fletcher said he was honoured to be chosen for the recognition.

“Bronte and its students meant everything to me and I hope I was able to help, support, encourage and inspire many of them during their time there and in their future lives,” he added.

It is hoped he and Mr Garner’s son, Ian, will be involved in the opening of the new development in March.

And one former pupil will be awarded a place at the ceremony.

The winner will be chosen from those making a donation to Sue Ryder on the webpage justgiving.com/fundraising/brontesiteopening.

A ‘topping out’ ceremony was held at the £10.8 million care home and extra-care scheme earlier this year.

The development will provide 36 two-bed and 33-one bed extra-care apartments with communal areas, a lounge, activity room, restaurant, offices, hair salon and therapy room.

Alongside will be a 50-bed resource centre, with a range of long and short-term residential services.