A FORMER sub-organist at Blackburn Cathedral has died at the aged of 79 after a long illness.

Keith Bond moved to Blackburn in 1971 and remained in the town until his retirement 12 years later.

As sub-organist Mr Bond was responsible for the Young People’s Choir which had been formed only a few years previously to enable former choirboys whose voices had “changed” to continue singing in the cathedral.

Mr Bond introduced girls into this choir for the first time.

In addition to his cathedral duties Mr Bond was also a senior lecturer in harmony at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

He was born in Bolton and attended Bolton School before studying music at Manchester Univcrsity and obtaining a Bachelor of Music degree.

He then became organ scholar at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.

For many years he and his family lived in Pleasington until his retirement when he moved to Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

He became a part-time organist at the parish church where composer Benjamin Britten is buried.

A memorial service will be held in Blythborough Parish Church, Suffolk, on Friday July 25.

If you would like to pay tribute to Keith Bond, add your comments below.