The funeral of a Lancashire organist will take place in the church where he collapsed and died after playing at a pensioner's funeral.

Brian Markland, 66, had just finished Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata when he collapsed in front of mourners at the service at St Saviour's, Bamber Bridge.

The Rev Graham Halsall and others tried to resuscitate him but he never regained consciousness.

Mr Halsall said: "Brian was a most gentle and gracious man. He was a remarkably enthusiastic musician and a competent organist and pianist and he was a very compelling colleague who led worship wonderfully for many, many years.

"He is greatly missed in the organist fraternity and in the wider parish."

He said Mr Markland had been an organist at the church for around 14 years.

Mr Markland, from Western Drive, Leyland, worked at the Leyland Guardian for more than 20 years as a sub-editor before retiring.

Chris Maguire, editor of the Leyland Guardian, said: "He was extremely well liked. his death is a tragedy."

Representatives from the newspaper will attend his funeral at St Saviour's Church.