A SINGER who played leading roles in musical shows for more than four decades has died.

Baritone Vincent Vickers, of Bishop Auckland, performed at Newcastle's Theatre Royal and Gateshead Empire as well as doing seasons on the North Pier at Blackpool, where a poster of one of his concerts is still on display.

Although he made several TV and radio appearances, he is mainly known for his long association with Ferryhill Operatic Society, where he formed a singing partnership with soprano Jenny Bellerby in 1947. She died last year.

Later, with his wife Audrey playing the piano, he took over as the society's musical director, retiring in the late 1980s.

Instead of sending flowers, mourners at his funeral at St Andrew's Church, Bishop Auckland, tomorrow (Friday) at 11am, have been invited to donate to the society. A tape of his favourite songs will be played during the service.

Mrs Vickers said: "He had a lovely voice and the service will be a celebration of his music.

"Ferryhill Operatic Society was his great love and we had many happy years there. We always worked as a team. Music was his life and he was happy wherever he was as long as he was singing."

Mr Vickers worked as a miner at Leasingthorne and Chilton Collieries for 22 years and then as a postman in Bishop Auckland for the next 23.

With his wife he formed the Auvin Singers to perform concerts in Bishop Auckland's former twin town Bad Oeynhausen in Germany.

He leaves a son David, daughter-in-law Karen and granddaughter Kate.