THE children of a renowned cornet player have organised a charity concert in his memory.

Bryan Tait, who was principal cornet with what is now the Reg Vardy Band for 29 years and also an acclaimed conductor, died of cancer on Monday, July 7, aged 53.

He was one of the most highly respected players in the north of England, performed many times on television and won numerous awards.

Now his children Phillip, 22, and Charlotte, 19, have organised the Brass Off Cancer concert to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Featuring the Reg Vardy Band, NASUWT Riverside Band and the Gibside Singers, it will be held at Stanley Civic Hall, County Durham, on Saturday (November 1).

Phillip Tait, who has succeeded his father as Reg Vardy Band’s principal cornet player, said: “My sister and I wanted to organise a concert to celebrate our dad’s musical achievements and this was actually originally a tribute concert for dad while he was alive, which has turned out to be a memorial event since he passed away.

“He was not only a great father and husband but also a brilliant musician.”

Mr Tait was originally from Stanley and later lived in Durham City. He was formerly head of estates at Frankland Prison.

Saturday’s concert starts at 7.15pm. Tickets, priced £5, can be booked by calling Phillip Tait on 07730-337-393.