4BR has been informed of the death of Michael Wildgust, a former winner of the prestigious Alexander Owen Memorial Scholarship and principal cornet of Besses o’ th’ Barn Band.

Highly talented

A highly talented young player, ‘Ronnie’ as he was affectionately known, claimed the Scholarship title in 1982 by impressing the exam board with his theory, sight reading test and air-varie performances.

The same year under the baton of Roy Newsome, he was an integral part of the cornet section that helped Besses end a 23 year wait for the British Open title playing, ‘Three Figures’.

He took over the role of principal cornet from his friend Phil Shaw in 1987 – the culmination of his long time association with the band.

He will be sadly missed by many of his old Besses and Corus colleagues, who have been posting their respects on the social network sitesspokesperson

Brilliant trumpet player

Also a brilliant trumpeter, he was a key member of the celebrated Corus Brass ensemble.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "He will be sadly missed by many of his old Besses and Corus colleagues, who have been posting their respects on the social network sites."

No further details are currently available.