A DESIGN company is to give a new lease of life to long-forgotten fabrics donated by a millworker's daughter.

The Stitch Society will use the material to produce its latest range of artisans' aprons.

The cloth was discovered by Riddlesden woman Lynne Lilley following the death of her father five years ago.

George Markham, who worked as a weaving overlooker, had saved the remnants during his time in the industry.

After hearing of how The Stitch Society used vintage fabrics in its products, Lynne contacted the company – based at Salts Mill, Saltaire, where her father once worked – to offer the fabrics.

And the firm's founder, Oxenhope woman Charlotte Meek, was delighted to accept the donation.

Lynne said: "Growing up in our home in the 50s and 60s, there were always good quality fabrics and wool available for my mother to make new clothes.

"Today society has moved to more disposable fashion, losing the appreciation for fine quality fabrics and the sewing skills passed down from generations.

"It was a delight to meet Charlotte. Her fondness for fabric and our local history made me want to pass on my father's material."

The Stitch Society – which gives each of its garments a name harking back to those of early factory girls, such as Betty, Martha and Agnes – is naming one of its latest designs in honour of Mr Markham.

Charlotte said: "We wanted to create a more masculine garment and are delighted to give George's name to this eponymous new collection – aptly named after a Yorkshireman who dedicated his life to working with textiles in our wonderful mills."

Charlotte started her business in 2015 from a home studio, but moved to larger accommodation at Salts Mill last year.

Her wares are made from material collected over time at Yorkshire mill buildings, together with luxury fabrics from ateliers.

Growing online sales have seen The Stitch Society go from strength to strength over the past year.