LEADING Yorkshire musician and composer Leslie Sturdy has died at the age of 80.
Mr Sturdy wrote the song From the Time You Say Goodbye, which was recorded by Vera Lynn, and a Christmas carol, Look Away to Bethlehem, which was performed by Cliff Richard and Burl Ives.
He was organist and director of music at Scarborough's Queen Street Methodist Central Hall for more than 40 years until his death, and two weeks ago organised a concert to mark his birthday.
He had staged concerts in the resort for many years, his best known being the annual Crackers Show at the former Arcadia Theatre.
His interest in music started when he was six and he later won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music.
Mr Sturdy became well known to audiences, playing the organ at Scarborough's seafront Futurist Theatre.
A private cremeation at Woodlands tomorrow is to be followed by a service in celebration of his life at Queen Street Central Hall at noon.
Mr Sturdy leaves a widow and four children.
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