A huge cash legacy for education in Otley has been officially handed over to Prince Henry's Grammar School.

Tony Hannam handed a cheque for 100,000 US dollars to the school following a bequest from his aunt, Doreen Hindle.

Mrs Hindle was the sister-in-law of former mayor, the late Norman Hindle.

Mrs Hindle and her husband Walter lived in Otley for many years before they moved to Canada.

Mrs Hindle, who was a widow, died last year and has left 200,000 US dollars to be split equally between the school and Wharfedale Hospital.

The money is thought to have been passed from Norman and Walter to Doreen.

Mr Hannam handed a cheque, equivalent to £60,000 to head teacher John Steel.

Walter, Norman and Mr Hannam, all went to Prince Henry's and Walter was one of the first pupils at the school when it opened in 1918.

Mr Hannam, who now lives in Cumbria, applied for the position of headteacher at Prince Henry's in the 1980s.

On his return visit to Otley last week, he said: "I have very fond memories of my aunt and uncle as they visited each year and stayed with my family.

"I am delighted that the money has been left to the school, in particular for the science department because Walter had a particular interest in the sciences.

The plan for Prince Henry's is to put the money into a trust fund for students who want to go to university to study science.

The will specified that it was given to the school for the furtherance of scientific effort. It is hoped that students who perhaps couldn't normally go to university will be able to benefit.

Christopher Lillington, head of the language college and senior management, said: "We as a school are deeply grateful for this extremely generous bequest.

"This will ensure that our young people will have the best possible opportunities to further develop their studies and reach their potential in all spheres of science."

The bequest for achievement in science has been left in honour and lasting memory of Walter.

He learned about textile dyeing and finishing at Manchester College of Science and Technology and his first job was with the Bradford Dyers' Association.

He moved to Canada and then America and began to research, develop and market dyed fibres.

He was credited with more than 20 patents for his efforts.

In the late 1950s Walter created his own consulting firm which took him all across the world.

Among other interests, Mr Hannam said that Walter was an avid archaeologist.

Some of his finds in excavations on the Tennessee River are held in the Museum of the American Indian in New York.

Walter and Doreen both requested that their ashes be scattered in Otley and they rest in Danefield Wood.