LEIGH man of brass, Alan Rowson, has died after a long illness at the age of 66.

Former players turned out in force on Tuesday at St Thomas' Church, Bedford, to pay tribute to the former musical director of the Leigh Silver Band, which was disbanded recently after a hard fight for survival failed.

Alan, of Patterdale Road, Leigh, who gave over 50 years of his life to the musical movement, began his playing life on cornet with his brother Colin in the Salvation Army Band and the former Leigh British Legion Band.

Later he played and served with the 9th/12th Queens Royal Lancers before returning to the town to join the Leigh Silver Band on principal cornet during its most successful period.

This was followed by long service as musical director during which time he taught and guided many young players.

Local bands

He was also an accomplished jazz trumpeter and arranger and dance-showband musician and many local bands, including the Bedford Leigh, Golborne and Wigan Brass, were grateful for his services.

Leigh Silver Band secretary, Harold Roberts, said: "He brought a thoroughly professional attitude to all he did.

"Because of his illness he had not played for about eight years. It says a great deal for his strength of character that he did much band work while coping with a slow but seriously disabling condition.

"He will be greatly missed by his family and the many bandspeople who knew him. For my part I feel privileged to have known him in our 50-plus banding years."

Alan leaves two children Tracey and Lee, who have asked for donations to Rheumatoid Arthritis Research.

The church service was followed by committal at Howe Bridge Crematorium.