A man who worked at the Alhambra Theatre as a boy more than 70 years ago has had a seat named after him, to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Back in 1937, Francois – known as Frank – Verdeyen, of Cottingley, worked as a Call Boy at the Alhambra, showing people to their seats and selling chocolates during the interval. He also helped visiting magicians on stage with their equipment.

He worked at the Alhambra when it was managed by Francis Laidler, known as the ‘king of pantomime’, who founded the theatre and its panto Sunbeams.

After spotting a report on the Alhambra’s Name a Seat scheme – enabling people to buy a personalised engraving on a seat, box or row of seats in the auditiorium – Mr Verdeyen’s family decided to surprise him.

His son-in-law, Bryan Rollason, said: “My wife read about it in the Telegraph & Argus and thought it would be a good way of marking Frank’s birthday and supporting the Alhambra.

“He was thrilled to have a seat named after him. He has fond memories of the Alhambra; he used to work at Crofts Engineers in Laisterdyke during the day and spent his evenings working in the theatre.

“He still goes to the theatre, so it will be lovely for him to sit in his seat. We chose seat A29 as his birthday is October 29.”

The Name a Seat scheme has attracted people from around the world, keen to have seats named after family or friends at the Alhambra.

Adam Renton, Bradford Theatres general manager, said: “What a lovely way of celebrating a special birthday, and how fitting that Mr Verdeyen used to work at the Alhambra.

“This scheme is a great way for people to remember loved ones or celebrate an anniversary or birthday, and at the same time be part of ensuring that the theatre continues to flourish.”

For more about the Name A Seat scheme, visit bradford-theatres.co.uk, or contact Ron Mooney on (01274) 432375.