A SINGER who made his mark as a teenager in a skiffle band has died at his home in Pendle.

Pat Belshaw played alongside 60s popsters Bernie Calvert, Bobby Elliott and Tony Hicks who later went on to find fame with The Hollies.

Mr Belshaw died aged 56 from a brain haemorrhage at his home in Reedley Road, Reedley, on Wednesday. His funeral will be held at Burnley Crematorium this Wednesday.

He was born in Pendle and lived all his life in the area. He was educated at Mansfield High School, Brierfield, and as a teenager joined skiffle group Ricky Shaw and The Dolphins.

The band played the Imperial Ballroom, Nelson, the breeding ground for many 60s sensations including The Beatles, as well as touring the country.

The Dolphins split and Mr Belshaw left the music business in his early 20s to try his hand at a totally different occupation, laying gas pipelines after a stint in the Merchant Navy.

For the last 25 years he was a self-employed builder.

"He was a man of many talents who believed in living life to the full," said his widow Diane.

The couple have a 14-year-old daughter Katie.

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