SOCIAL housing provider Incommunities has named one of its training facilities after a popular member of staff who died in 2000.

The Gerry Pickersgill ICT Suite is based at the housing group’s construction training centre, and provides a computer training facility for its apprentices, job club customers and young people.

The centre is named after the popular Keighley-based housing manager, who died at the turn of the millenium.

Over the last 18 years, Mr Pickersgill’s widow Janey has supported the annual Gerry Pickersgill Awards, run by Incommunities and the Bradford District Tenant and Residents Federation, which honour unsung heroes in the community.

Mrs Pickersgill joined Incommunities chief executive Geraldine Howley at the naming ceremony to remember her late husband’s life.

She said: “The family is delighted by this dedication and tribute to Gerry’s time in housing.

“Gerry was passionate about helping people and it’s great to have been part of these annual awards which recognised so many special local heroes.

“Thanks to Incommunities this tribute will continue his connection to a career he loved and the futures of those starting out in housing and people wanting to better themselves.”

Geraldine Howley added: “We have liaised closely with Janet and her family to arrange this fitting tribute to Gerry.

“Having worked with Gerry I saw first hand his dedication to serving others. Giving his name to this important training resource will be a special legacy – one which will benefit our apprentices, housing staff and people from the wider community.”