MEMBERS of a popular band have expressed their sadness at the death of their president.

Jack Hobson, a member of Northallerton Silver Band for 19 years, died on September 6 after a long illness.

He began as a baritone player and moved on to euphonium before ending his playing days in the bass section.

Mr Hobson came from a musical family and started playing when he was 12. He joined his father, brother, uncle and cousin in the Wesleyan Brass Band, but left after joining the RAF and being posted to the Middle East during the Second World War.

In 1988, Mr Hobson was persuaded to join Northallerton Silver Band. He was known to members because his grandson, Nicholas, was a member and he had attended band functions.

When he joined he had not played for 50 years - and he travelled from Newton Aycliffe to attend rehearsals before moving to Northallerton 12 years ago.

When he finished playing, Mr Hobson and his wife, Maude, still attended practice nights and he remained the band's president and an active committee member.

Band chairman David Prest said: "You always knew where you stood with him. If he thought it, he said it. He didn't suffer fools lightly, but he never held a grudge.

"I and the band members feel most privileged to have known Jack over the past 19 years as a player, committee member, president and friend - a true and loyal bandsman who will be greatly missed.

"Rehearsals are well under way for our next concert in Northallerton, which will be on October 12, in Hambleton Forum. As a tribute we are going to change the programme slightly to include some of Jack's favourite pieces of music."

Mr Hobson's funeral will be at the United Reformed Church, Northallerton High Street, at 11am on Friday.