THIS week has marked six years since the death of a man Bradfordians took to their hearts.

Geoffrey Brindley, otherwise known as ‘Jesus Man’, took on the status of a much-loved figure in the Bradford district, where he was regularly spotted walking the streets in a brown robe and sandals, with a satchel around his neck.

He was so well-known that a website was even set-up dedicated to listing sightings of him.

When Mr Brindley died, aged 88, on August 24, 2015 at Bradford Royal Infirmary, a book of condolence was set up at Bradford Cathedral for people to leave their tributes, after an outpouring of public tributes followed his death.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: 'Bradford Jesus Man' could often be seen in his sandals in the district's streets'Bradford Jesus Man' could often be seen in his sandals in the district's streets

Who was Bradford's Jesus Man?

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.

Mr Brindley, also known as the Airedale Monk, was taken ill at his home in Baildon where he fell down the stairs. He died in hospital several days later.

Tributes to Mr Brindley flooded in from all over the world, including America, Russia and Malaysia.

Speaking at his inquest in October 2015, Assistant Bradford coroner Oliver Longstaff said Mr Brindley, who was born in Buxton, Derbyshire, had died as a result of an accident.

He described him as a fascinating man and added: "He was a local character of some reputation with a social media following of about 20,000. He is going to be missed."

Mr Brindley's funeral took place at Bradford Cathedral in October 2015.

The procession headed to Bradford from Shipley along Manningham Lane, passing Valley Parade and onto Hamm Strasse. It then went onto Barkerend Road to Thornbury roundabout, then along Leeds Road and Church Bank.