DENNIS Bradley, one of the best-known personalities in the brass band world in North Yorkshire, and a leading member of Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band, has died aged 76.

He learned to play the cornet in 1936 in the Pickering Salvation Army Band, subsequently joining the then-thriving Pickering Town Band.

In 1945 he moved to County Durham when he became one of the legendary Bevin Boys - a National Service coal miner - and while there played with the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band.

At the end of his service he returned to his native Pickering where he rejoined the local band.

The following year he transferred to the Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band and after a spell on euphonium was appointed principal cornet play in 1954, a position he held for 25 years.

He continued to play the cornet for a further 12 years and on his retirement from playing was made a life member of the band and continued to take a keen interest.

He acted as steward at contests, particularly the North of England Regional Contest where for many years he was an adjudicator's steward, and at the Malton Brass Contest, where he was the official timekeeper.

Alan Martin, general secretary of the band, said: "Dennis was a larger-than-life character who was universally liked and thrived on good ale and good company. His other interest was as a member of the local bowling society and in his younger days, dancing."

He and his wife, Nancy, had shortly been due to celebrate their ruby wedding.

Updated: 11:08 Tuesday, May 06, 2003