The funeral has been held of former wool textile industry leader Roy Stroud, who died over the Easter period at the age of 91.

Mr Stroud, who retired in 1985, was managing director and then chairman of worsted manufacturers Stroud Riley Drummond on Lumb Lane, Bradford, which was founded by his father Oswald in 1919.

During his 40-year career Mr Stroud played a key role in wool industry affairs.

Between 1974 and 1976 he was chairman of the industry’s main employers’ body, the Wool Textile Delegation, and was president of the Bradford and District Manufacturers’ Assoc-iation for three years from 1968.

He was also chairman of the industry research body, Wira, and of the Bradford Textile Society.

Mr Stroud was awarded an OBE in 1980 for his services to wool textiles.

He was a Bradford magistrate and a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

Other appointments included president of Bradford Rugby Football Club and president of the Bradford North Conservative Association.

Educated at Bradford Grammar School, Mill Hill School and Bradford Technical College, Mr Stroud was also a member of Bradford Rotary Club.

His grandfather, Joseph, was the first rabbi in Bradford, arriving from Germany in 1865 at a time when many Jewish textile merchants also settled here, giving the Little Germany area its name.

Peter Ackroyd, vice-president of the International Wool Textile Organisation, paid tribute to him. Speaking from China, where he is attending the IWTO annual conference, Mr Ackroyd said: “ Roy Stroud made a very great contribution to wool textile affairs in Britain and internationally throughout his career.

“He was highly regarded by his colleagues, both in the UK and in other countries, and spoke with the strength and authority of the chairman of one of the industry’s leading companies.”

Mr Stroud, who lived for many years in Guiseley, was predeceased by his wife Rita and leaves three sons.