From 1943 to 1945, American airman William Sellers discovered Bradford and found a home-from-home at Royd House Residential Hotel on Manningham Lane.

Serving with the United States Eighth Air Force, stationed near the village of Oundle, Northamptonshire, he visited Bradford while on leave.

“Royd House was operated by Mr and Mrs Gilbert Heathcote, who treated me as though I had been one of their own,” writes Mr Sellers from his home in Gainesville, Florida. “They were a splendid family, I never had any other destination when on leave except Bradford.

“Each evening about 9pm, a member of the Bradford police department, named Bill, would pop in while making his rounds on a bicycle. Mrs Heathcote would make tea and we enjoyed friendly conversation.

“Sadly, I cannot recall Bill’s last name. However, one Sunday he invited me into his home to enjoy lunch with him and his wife.”

Mr Sellers says when the Heathcotes left Royd House, they took over the Crescent Hotel, Ilkley.

“They had a daughter, the late Margaret Heathcote Watson, who in turn had a daughter, Annabelle Heathcote Watson, who lives in Harrogate,” he continues. “I have never forgotten the warm hospitality of the British people, especially those in Yorkshire.”

If anyone remembers Bill, the bobby who did the rounds on Manningham Lane at that time, we’d love to hear from you, and so would Mr Sellers.