A POPULAR singer has died after a long battle with cancer.

Peter Morris, 73, of Westbourne Avenue South, Burnley, died on Friday November 23 after a six-year long battle with bowel cancer.

Mr Morris was a well-known singer who was a member of Nelson Arion Male Voice choir and a former member of Pendle Opera and Burnley Light Opera.

He was also involved with the freemasons as a charity steward for Brunlodge for 20 years and was also a member of Pendleside Lodge and the nativity chapter.

His wife Cynthia, said: "He was a larger-than-life character who was always happy. He was a perfect gentleman.

"He will probably be mostly remembered for his singing.

"He had a fantastic baritone voice and was a prominent member of Nelson Arion Male Choir until his death."

Mr Morris, who lived in Sabden as a child and moved to Burnley when he married, was a retired engineering lecturer at Accrington and Rossendale College.

Mrs Morris added: "He was a lecturer for 37 years and he never once took a day off. He was also a keen caravanner. We would go to the continent every summer."

Paul Smith, assistant principal at Accrington and Rossendale College, paid tribute to Mr Morris.

He said: "I worked alongside Peter for many years and it was a pleasure to have a colleague who was so dedicated and professional."

He died at home surrounded by his family. He leaves Cynthia, sons David, 40 and Andrew, 39, and grand-daughters, Louisa and Heidi.

His funeral will be held at Burnley United Reform Church tomorrow at 1.15pm.

Instead of flowers his family would like donations to Pendleside Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support.