EAST Lancashire has lost one of its last links with Big Band music after the death of John Moran, a former employee of the Lancashire Telegraph.

Mr Moran was a native of Blackburn, living in both Leamington Road and Alexandra Road.

As a youngster attended Sacred Heart RC Primary School.

During his National Service for the Army, he played in the 12th Lancers Regimental Band.

It was after his service in the army that he joined the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, as a linotype operator.

Mr Moran and his father were both very well known in East Lancashire musical circles in the 1940s and 50s.

They worked together in the Eddie McGarry Band, house band of Accrington Conservative Club, and performed for thousands of dancers over the years.

Mr Moran and his father both played many instruments including saxophone, clarinet and flute.

In 1964 he became a visiting music teacher in Staffordshire, and with the decline of ballroom dancing he got involved in musical theatre.

He died on Wednesday November 21 in hospital in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire at the age of 79.

He had complained of feeling unwell, and after being taken to hospital, passed away suddenly.

He leaves a widow, Avril, a daughter of the Beech family who once had a garage on Whalley New Road, two daughters and two grandchildren.

His funeral takes place on Friday.