Fascinating tales of Bradford's past are being rescued from oblivion by an enthusiast who has set up his own business.

The Old Bradfordian Press, founded by Nafees Nazir, launches its first catalogue of reprinted books, magazines and old maps this weekend. It contains rare treasures - many reprinted for the first time.

Highlights include the official handbook of the 1927 Bradford City AFC Supporters' Bazaar; Bradford's first magazine The Bradfordian dating from the 1860s; a paper detailing evidence of a Bradford Castle in Hall Ings; and Worstedopolis by William Cudworth, a highly-sought after rarity that includes a map of Bradford said to have been drawn from a balloon in 1889.

Mr Nazir, who grew up in the Great Horton area of Bradford, and went to school in Idle, has been collecting rare books for 12 years. His hobby has now developed into a small business - a sideline to his 'day job' with the Muslim charity, the Human Relief Foundation.

"Nearly everything in the catalogue is unique - one of the most special things is Bradford's first magazine, I don't think there will be another one in Bradford, even in a museum," he said.

The catalogue will be launched at the Antiques and Collectors' Fair at the Bradford Industrial Museum on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.