PROFESSIONAL and amateur singers travelled from all over the country and Europe for the funeral of Burnley operatic baritone Keith Latham.

More than 200 people attended St Mathew's Church, Burnley, and as his friend and colleague Nigel Wilkinson, in a tribute, told them: "Keith always attracted a full house."

He added that Keith was equally at home whether in a local village hall or the Royal Albert Hall.

The mourners joined Keith's wife Lynn, daughter Joanne and other members of the family in the church for the funeral service prior to cremation at Burnley.

Musical tributes were sung by Rita Cullis, Kathleen Wilkinson and Anthony Mead, with readings by life-long friend Jim Ogden and music teacher Patrick McGuigan.

The service was conducted by Fr Peter Grierson, who spoke of Keith's remarkable musical talent and suggested that consideration should be given to providing some sort of permanent memorial to Keith, either in North East Lancashire or elsewhere.

He said Keith never forgot his roots or his family in Burnley, adding: "Some of you may plan in the future for a memorial concert to Keith. I hope so." In his address, Nigel Wilkinson gave details of Keith's career, from his first time on stage in Rosegrove, through to his appearances on radio and television, the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Festival Hall, as well as many countries in Europe and as far afield as Australia.

He described Keith as a gentle giant. a man of extreme kindness and with a wonderful sense of humour. He was also a passionate Burnley soccer fan and addicted to Test cricket.

Mr Wilkinson told the congregation: "His death, one day before his 47th birthday, robbed us all of a true friend.

Keith was due to take part in a concert by Nelson Civic Youth Choir at St Peter's Parish Church, Burnley, tomorrow, which will now go ahead in tribute to the Padiham-born operatic baritone.

The civic primary and youth choirs will take part with organist Philip Tomlinson, who was to have accompanied Keith.