BRASS band stalwart Ken Mather, who died at the end of last month, is to be remembered in a memorial concert by his former musical pals.

The Walkden bass player, who died at the age of 74, was a well-known figure in brass band circles.

He spent more than 60 years with Walkden Brass Band before he died after a short illness on Sept 30.

Now, band members are busy arranging a special concert in tribute to his outstanding service to the band. A date for the event has still to be fixed.

Mr Mather, of Langdale Drive, Walkden, leaves a widow, two children, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

More than 200 people, including many from the brass band world, attended his funeral at Overdale.

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