TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to a "gentle giant" guitarist who played with a number of bands at venues in the North-East.

Gordon Taylor, who has died aged 56, made his debut at a social evening in the village hall close to his home at Stainton near Barnard Castle, County Durham, during the 1960s.

Though he spent all his working life as a joiner, his skill as a lead guitarist was so great that many people felt he should become a professional musician.

Instead, he preferred to join a number of line-ups such as the Bobby K Four, Nimbus Grit, Profile and Cataract, which had big followings in North Yorkshire and County Durham.

Fellow musician and friend Brian Sidaway said yesterday: "Gordon became a major guitar talent in the 1970s and was always in demand. He was also a thoroughly decent person."

Another friend, Christine Naseby, said: "He was a real craftsman with wood and liked to do every job properly. He was also a kind man, sweeping snow and doing shopping for an elderly neighbour."

Mr Taylor was also known for restoring vintage tractors, which he would drive in local rallies to raise money for charity.

Mr Taylor is survived by his mother, Betty. At his funeral service in Barnard Castle Methodist Church at noon today, donations will be invited for Cancer Research and the Great North Air Ambulance.