A BARRISTER based in Pakistan has offered to buy a memorial bench in tribute to Bradford's so-called Jesus Man.

Farrukh Qureshi said he remembered Geoffrey Brindley having a "smile to light up the surroundings".

Mr Qureshi came forward after reading an appeal in the Telegraph & Argus for suggestions for a place to site a bench in Mr Brindley's memory.

"I was always intrigued by this man who had such a serene expression on his face and always a smile to light up the surroundings," said Mr Qureshi. "I grew up in Bradford having arrived from Pakistan in 1966 and used to see Mr Brindley in and around the city centre.

"Although I now run my legal practice from Islamabad I had always wanted to stop and have a chat with Mr Brindley. The last time I saw him was about one year ago near Toller Lane - unfortunately I could not stop the car because of the traffic and fulfil my decade-old wish to have a few words with Mr Brindley. May his soul rest in peace.

"While I cannot think of an appropriate location for the memorial bench I would like to donate another bench to be placed near the City Hall or any other place deemed appropriate."

Mr Qureshi lived in Bradford from 1966 until 1983 and visits the city regularly for work.

A friend of Mr Brindley appealed via the T&A for suggestions on siting a memorial bench.

Other readers came forward with suggestions for the bench location. Lesley Smith and Sharona Betts both suggested Shipley Glen, Barbara Parkin believed Lister Park would be ideal, while Jonathan Sutcliffe-Bland thought the top of Carr Lane, overlooking Bradford.

Harry Finan suggested Centenary Square, while Dawn Marshall thought City Garden with a memory book in City Hall. Russell Halliday believed outside Bradford Cathedral would be a good location, and Craig Jessop suggested the car park area on Baildon Moor, next to Bingley Road.