TRIBUTES have been paid to a former miner and drummer who helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds over five decades of charity work.

Douglas Allan Kell, who has died aged 90, was a founding member, drummer and treasurer of the Sherburn Village Jolly Boys, a charitable group, musical ensemble and social club that since its establishment on Armistice Day 1964 has raised nearly £250,000 for a range of good causes.

George Jopling, another founder member, paid tribute to his long-term friend, known as Allan, and pledged to organise a memorial concert in his honour.

Born in Shadforth, near Durham, Mr Kell worked as a miner at Sherburn and Dawdon and is survived by his wife Peggy.

They had five children, John, Annette, Elizabeth, Philip and Barbara, plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

But Mr Kell was best known for his central role in the Jolly Boys, set up to entertain people in the village and support good causes.

The group had about 60 members at its peak, who often wore special costume or uniform and followed club rules, such as paying fines for not wearing a bow tie at group occasions.

Causes to benefit from their work have included Mencap and the Salvation Army. In recent years one of the main recipients has been St Mary’s Church in Sherburn.

Earlier this year the group staged a concert in aid of residents left homeless by a fire that damaged six houses in Sherburn Village.

Mr Kell was the group’s drummer, having also played in Sherburn Hill and Wheatley Hill colliery bands, and continued performing until well into his 80s.

His death means just four of the original members still remain, including Mr Jopling.

Mr Kell died on Monday, July 27 following a short illness. His funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church in Sherburn on Friday (August 7) at 2pm, followed by a committal at Durham Crematorium at 3pm.

Family flowers only, donations to the British Heart Foundation or the church.

The Jolly Boys rehearse at Sherburn Village workingmen’s club most Thursdays. Further details of the memorial concert will be announced in due course.