A CHARITY set up by a Huddersfield cloth merchant is celebrating 50 years.

The Henry Percy Dugdale Charity was formed by solicitors in 1961 at the request of Mr Dugdale, a nationally acclaimed wool supplier.

Mr Dugdale had died in 1939 and in his will wrote he wished to create a charitable fund for those who were struggling financially.

Henry had made his money as half of the Dugdale Bros – a successful wool supplier who will provide cloth for Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips’ Royal wedding this weekend.

In 1979 the charity was amended to include areas of the former county borough of Huddersfield and urban districts of Colne Valley, Holmfirth, Kirkburton and Meltham.

In April 2009, the foundation joined with the 19th century charity, Huddersfield Tradesmen’s Benevolent Institution and in 2010 it was renamed as the H P Dugdale Foundation.

Charity administrator, Thomas Green said: “The trust aims to help anyone who is suffering reduced circumstances.

“Over the past 50 years it has provided grants of over £2.2m.

“The trust works hard to make grants available to suitable applicants.

Applicants should write to Charity Administrator, H P Dugdale Foundation PO Box 1577 Huddersfield, HD1 9NL