A PIONEER in mental health reforms has had a blue plaque unveiled outside apartments in York.

Samuel Tuke (July 31, 1784 to October 14, 1857) was the grandson of William Tuke, the founder of The Retreat - now a private mental health hospital in Heslington Road.

Samuel Tuke himself was a mental health reformer and devoted his work to improving the treatment of those diagnosed as insane.

York Civic Trust unveiled the blue plaque last week and Cathy Waters, chief executive of the Retreat, Dr David Fraser, chief executive of York Civic Trust and Chris Hale of S.Harrison Developments; the company behind Samuel Tuke Apartments, in Lawrence Street, were on hand to reveal the tribute.