BLACKBURN Cathedral Choir stalwart Bernard West has died aged 96.


He started singing alto in the 1950s and later joined the bass section before retiring after more than 40 years. 


He was a founder member of the Blackburn Bach Choir in 1965 and carried on when it was renamed the Renaissance Singers, taking on the tasks of librarian, secretary, and treasurer. 


Mr West was born and brought up in Blackburn where, apart from military service, he lived all his life.


He attended the Parish Higher Grade School becoming a solicitor’s clerk in Richmond Terrace.


After the Second World War, he became the finance manager for the Bridge Mill Rubber Company in Blackburn then moving to Queen’s Park Hospital where he worked as a supplies administrator until retirement.


He was a keen gardener taking great pride in his gardens, and also had an interest in calligraphy.
The funeral took place last week at Pleasington Crematorium. A service of thanksgiving planned to take place in the cathedral in the New Year.