TRIBUTES have been paid to the creator of the region's biggest free blues festival who has died suddenly aged 55.

John Kearney founded the Northern Recording studio co-operative in Consett, County Durham, in the 1980s and launched the Stanley Blues Festival ten years ago.

From humble beginnings featuring only local bands, the council-funded event has grown to become a major feature of the region's musical calendar, this year attracting a record 15,000 people to see ex-Fleetwood Mac star Peter Green.

The studio also ran the Allensford Festival until last year, when the foot-and-mouth crisis and then council funding problems halted it.

Mr Kearney - a friend of Gateshead-born AC/DC singer Brian Johnson - wanted to promote local talent and provide the best facilities available.

Thousands of school pupils learned about the business through his Making Music Work project.

Northern Recording project co-ordinator Paul Green said: "John had an absolute belief in and commitment to the talent of local people, and he put that belief into practice

"He took great care to ensure the blues festival stayed very close to his original vision of the best national, international and local bands performing in Stanley."

Rock prodigy Pete Shoulder, 19, of nearby Waldridge, performed twice at the festival and recorded the demo disc that landed his deal with Sony at the studio.

He said Mr Kearney took him under his wing and gave valuable advice and guidance.

He said: "I wouldn't be where I am if it hadn't been for John. I will always be grateful for what he did for us.

"He gave me advice on the contracts I was offered. Not everyone would do that for nothing.

"He was clever and also hellish crack. He will be missed."

Mr Kearney, of Blackhill, Consett, leaves a widow, Mary, a son, Tony, and grandson Ewan.