TALENTED teacher, musician and actor Joe Roberts will be sorely missed by a community he loved to help and entertain.

Popular Joe, 63, and a former deputy high school head, died in the early hours of last Tuesday at his Beechfield Drive home in Leigh

Just a few hours earlier he had been rehearsing with fellow members of St Joseph's Players -- the Leigh amateur dramatic group to which he devoted so much energy.

Joe taught at schools in Wigan and Salford and was deputy at Cardinal Newman RC High where he taught maths and science until its closure in 1992. He was also an accomplished musician and singer and involved in many school productions, encouraging pupils to follow their musical and acting talents with confidence.

He was a founder member of local folk group Calico with whom he played guitar and banjo and also sang. Many folk followers will remember his role with the group which for many years ran Leigh Folk Club sessions at the Oddfellows Arms in Twist Lane.

Although a "Westleyther" born and bred Joe lived in St Joseph's parish and was a prominent parishioner. He led the folk choir and helped many young people with their music and song. Every Sunday he took out and played his banjo to make Mass extra special.

A talented amateur actor in his youth with the Occasional Players of Atherton, Joe only recently returned to the stage with St Joseph's Players. But over the past two years he had appeared in many productions, his last being the successful panto Ali Baba where Joe's antics had both young and old splitting their sides.

He will also be fondly rememberd for his portrayal of Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Joe was a member of the Deadenders Murder Mystery Group and well respected in the community for his many talents, his gentleness, humour and willingness to help. He was a true friend to many.

He leaves a widow, Katherine, son Neil, stepson Simon and a grandson, Matthew.

The funeral takes place today at Leigh St Joseph's RC Church.