In a series of radio reports, called 'The Warp and the Weft' Spencer explained why he had taken this journey into the past, the present and the future of the industry:

Manningham Mills: Glory days are in the past

"Fifty years ago, 8000 people were employed in mills across Bradford - today that figure stands at just 1500.

The woollen industry shaped this city, and the mills that processed the wool stand as a monument to a time when Bradford was the centre of Britain's textile trade.

Wherever you go in the Bradford today, there are reminders of that industry. From the Wool Exchange in the city centre, to Saltaire in the Aire Valley. From the dilapidated Lister's Mill, once the jewel in Manningham's crown, to Forster Square which was named after the great mill owner himself.

High Tech businesses are now taking over the premises of the old industries in Bradford

With the imminent closure of one of the city's largest mills, Whiteheads at Laisterdyke, the future for the industry in the city can sometimes be written-off all too easily.

But there is still hope, the Director of one mill still running - Wyedean Weaving at Haworth - says he is optimistic about business growth.

And people who live in the shadow of Lister's Mill at Manningham believe that one day the building will once again be put back into use.

There is, in short, as much to look forward to as there is to mourn..."

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN OUR SPECIAL TOUR THROUGH BRADFORD'S MILL HISTORY The audio reports which follow were originally broadcast on BBC Radio Leeds (92.4 FM, 95.3 FM, 774 MW) which transmits each and every day across the Bradford district.