The Whitworth Vale & Healey Band has reported the death of one of their most respected banding stalwarts, with the passing of Ken Sanderson on the 23rd April.

Great servant

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Ken had been a great servant for Whitworth, having been a very successful MD in the late 1980's and then playing on the back row cornets until ill health brought his playing to a close in 2008."

They added: "Ken had an illustrious career playing cornet for Besses Boys Band before moving on to play as principal cornet in the Besses o' th' Barn Band which he held with distinction for a number of years."

Ken had an illustrious career playing cornet for Besses Boys Band before moving on to play as principal cornet in the Besses o' th' Barn Band which he held with distinction for a number of yearsSpokepserson

Funeral details

The funeral will be held on Wednesday 1st May at 9.30am, Colwyn Bay Crematorium, Dinerth Road. LL28 4YL.