BRADFORD'S textile and industrial heyday brought many philanthropic businessmen to the fore.

Sir Titus Salt created an entire community for his workforce surrounding his mill - now designated a World Heritage site in Saltaire.

Many others distributed their wealth for the benefit of others in much the same way and one man whose legacy is still living on through the charity established in his memory is Joseph Nutter.

Although Joseph hailed from Pellon, near Halifax, his business was predominantly in Bradford where, at the age of 13, he became an apprentice to his brother who was a cabinet maker in Darley Street.

Joseph, who was orphaned at an early age, built up a successful furniture making business which he later passed on to two of his apprentices, Mr Pratt and Mr Prince.

When he died in 1884, Joseph left £10,000 in his will for the founding of an orphanage for boys in Bradford.

Bradford Corporation came up with the land at the top edge of Horton Park and the foundation stone was laid on May 30 1888. The home opened a year later.

In 1939 after it had been taken over by the Government the building, known as Joseph Nutter House, served a number of purposes as a tax office, driving test centre and as part of Bradford College.

Joseph Nutter's legacy lives on in the Joseph Nutter Foundation - the charity set up in his name.

"It was set up to really carry on the objective of him (Joseph Nutter) in helping, at that time, boys from poor backgrounds but when the Foundation was set up the benefits weren't restricted to boys - it was for boys and girls up to 18 who were deemed to be in need," explains John Lambert, the charity's administration officer.

Another change to the charity's objectives was that it wouldn't be restricted to orphans either but also accessible for families where one parent has died.

The charity is currently working with 34 families in the Bradford area. John explains families are referred to them usually through schools or social services.

A care worker from the charity will then visit the family to assess what financial support they need.

John explains the charity gives financial support for basic needs such as bedding and clothing and can also help fund a child's activities such as football or dancing.

In some cases they may provide funding for items which benefit the whole family such as white goods - washing machines, fridges and cookers. They have previously provided funding for central heating repairs.

The same families are supported usually until the children reach 18 unless the family's circumstances change and they no longer need financial help.

John explains they have funding available to help other families.

"It really helps the families and we get some nice letters from families saying what a difference the help has made to them."

To find out more about the Joseph Nutter Foundation email: johnlambert2009@hotmail.co.uk.

If you have any memories of the Joseph Nutter orphanage email sally.clifford@telegraphandargus.co.uk.