A HUNDRED years have passed since Joseph Rowntree was given Freedom of the City of York for his contributions to the community.

Best known for being a champion for social reform and for his family chocolatier business, Joseph Rowntree, a leading member of the chocolate-making dynasty, was a philanthropist who left a lasting legacy in York creating numerous charitable foundations.

These include the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust and the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust.

Coun Julie Gunnell, cabinet member for Corporate Services at City of York Council said: “I feel privileged to be able to mark this milestone because without Joseph Rowntree our city would not be what it is today.”