A WELL-KNOWN member of the community and a stalwart of the Church Lads Brigade has died at the age of 71.

Leslie Bennett of Snape Street, Darwen, joined the former St George's company as a member of the junior training corps in the late 1930's. After National Service he again joined St George's Company.

He was a member of the band and became company sergeant drummer .

Leslie later transferred from the drum to the bugle and for many years took part in the town's Remembrance Day ceremonies.

He played for many years at the Hoddlesden war memorial service on Remembrance Sundays.