A BOLTON musician today paid tribute to legendary big band leader Syd Lawrence, who died yesterday aged 74.

Don Banks, who plays trumpet in the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, described the ground-breaking star as a "brilliant musician who brought the big bands back to the public".

Syd, who had been ill for some time, started his own band in 1969 in a bid to recreate the music of the late Glenn Miller.

It quickly became a huge success and the band appeared in several series of 'Sez Les', a Yorkshire Television variety show staring Les Dawson.

Syd, a trumpet player, who lived in Wilmslow, Cheshire, retired several years ago due to his ill health, but the band continued in his name. He continued to occasionally make guest appearances.

Mr Banks, who has played trumpet in the band for 26 years, said: "He was a brilliant musician who brought the big bands back to the public.

"He created a lot of work for a lot of musicians."

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