Disabled people's champion Lord Alf Morris has unveiled a portrait of himself in Keighley.
Lord Morris, honorary life president of Keighley and Dist-rict Disabled People's Centre, last Friday visited the Temple Row building where the painting was to be displayed. He has been closely associated with Keighley since the council was formed in 1981 and the opening of the centre in 1985.
He was welcomed to Keighley by Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Miller. Cllr Miller told those present the work done by Lord Morris helped give disabled people a new place in society. "It resulted in the birth of many new organisations which have raised awareness of disability issues," he said.
Lord Morris is renowned for his work on behalf of those with physical and mental disabilities. He effected a change to a great many lives with his Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Bill in 1970. He was appointed the world's first Minister for Disabled People in 1974 under then Prime Minister Harold Wilson. He also went on to be chairman of the World committee on Disabled Peop-le's Rights.
The painting was produced by Bradford artist Terry Burke.
After unveiling the portrait Lord Morris told the Keighley News it was nice to be back at the centre. "It is well regarded in bringing disabled people into contact with the community," he said.
Plans to take the centre 'Beyond the Year 2000' have also been unveiled. The centre's information officer Keith Bell says: "We hope to provide an extension to the building which will give us the space and technology for disabled people and their carers."
Lord Morris has given permission for the revamped building to take his name.
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