ONE of Hinchliffe Mill Band's most loyal and talented members, Percy Dawson, has died aged 89.

Mr Dawson, commonly known as Pat, played in the brass band from 1927 to 1990 on a range of different instruments.

He joined the band as a cornet player - aged just 12 - and went on to play 2nd trombone, solo trombone, the E flat bass and bass trombone.

The fourth child of five, he was born on Christmas Day 1914, in Holmfirth.

His late wife's sister, Mrs Eileen Ward, said: "He started playing when he was 12 because of his dad. He bought him an instrument and told him that he had joined a band."

That was in 1927 and his love of music blossomed.

Mr Dawson worked briefly in the textile industry and as a foreman at Hepworth Iron Works for 25 years.

He lived in Holmfirth all his life and enjoyed two short stints with Honley and Hepworth bands, but always returned to Hinchliffe Mill.

His wife Dorothy died in 2002.

During the war Mr Dawson served in the Royal Marines in North Africa, Italy and Sicily.

A military funeral was held at Huddersfield Crematorium, when he was honoured by serving RAF Cpl Ashley Rollins, who saluted the coffin.

A Union Jack was placed on the coffin in recognition of his services to his country.

"It was very well attended and a brass band played the Last Post. It was very touching," added Mrs Ward.