THE widow of late York musician Bev Jones has decided to stage a concert in his memory next year - and has launched a fundraising drive to help meet the costs.

Lesley Jones, of Copmanthorpe, said she would like to stage the Final Farewell Concert at York’s Grand Opera House but first needs to find £7,500 to pay for the venue.

She said Bev, who died in 2016 after deficiencies in care at a North Yorkshire care home, was a leading chorister, composer, arranger, teacher and musical director, who sang as a schoolboy at the Queen’s Coronation.

“He gave so much love and pleasure to thousands over a lifetime, using his unique skill as a harmony composer and musical director, which he then transposed onto stages all over the UK and Ireland,” she said.

“He was a trained opera singer and pianist, and vocal teacher, and put smiles on the faces of millions.”

Lesley said she had launched an online appeal at www.gofundme.com/the-final-farewell-Bev-Jones because she was unable to fund the concert privately.

She said she was ‘reaching out to all the wonderful people who, over the years, may have had their hearts touched by Bev through music, and who feel he deserves this final tribute after such a tragic ending’.

She said donations would be used to pay a deposit to the theatre to secure a date in 2020, and everyone donating would receive a free ticket plus a souvenir programme.

Any additional funds would be used to expand the quality of the concert and then towards future Bev Jones Music Productions. The appeal has so far raised £120.

One donor said one last night send-off would provide closure for Bev’s family and friends, while another said it would provide ‘recognition of a great maestro’.