JAZZ greats from throughout the country gathered in Clitheroe for the funeral of top pianist Stan Barker.

They then took to the stage at the packed Trinity Methodist Church and serenaded the gathering with his favourite tunes.

Stan enjoyed an international reputation and, through his jazz college, launched the careers of a generation of top musicians.

Trumpeter Digby Fairweather took a break from his headline spot at the Birmingham Jazz Festival to attend the funeral.

Others at the funeral included saxophonists Iain Dixon, of BBC Big Band fame, and Al Wood.

Stan's French-born grandsons, guitarist Colin and drummer Julien, travelled from France with their mother Daniele for the funeral. The brothers, established musicians in their own right, have vowed to continue in their grandfather's footsteps.

Digby Fairweather told the congregation that Stan's music, "like his thoughts and actions, came from the heart".

"Every aspect of his personality sounded the beat of kindness and joy. He was a musical philanthropist of the highest order," he said.

Stan, who performed with the likes of Johnny Dankworth, Dudley Moore and Humphrey Lyttleton in his time, died after a short illness. He suffered a stroke while teaching in Kendal and died a few days later in Clitheroe Hospital.

Al Wood, bass player Steve Berry, guitarist Paul Mitchell-Davidson and drummer Dave Hassall played some of Stan's favourite tunes during the funeral and exited to tumultuous applause.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.