A TRADITIONAL New Orleans send off was given to a Bingley jazz drummer who has died following a short illness at the age of 81.

Tributes have been paid to Brian Preston, a printer by trade who once worked at the Telegraph & Argus as a linotype operator, who was an integral part of the famous Malcolm Webb's band which played in various venues in the Bingley area for almost 50 years.

The band started off at the King's Head, in Main Street and then become popular at the Brown Cow and later at the Ryshworth Club, in Crossflats.

An offshoot of that band, John Pashley band, will form part of the funeral cortege.

Mr Preston also played with trumpeter Dennis Armstrong at the Changegate Bar, in Haworth, and with various parade bands at outdoor events.

Married to Anita with son Christopher and daughter Jeanette, Mr Preston enjoyed relaxing by touring the country.
"He travelled every part of England from top to bottom," said Mrs Preston. "He also played tennis when he was young and enjoyed walking and staying in youth hostels.
"He gained a lot of friends through jazz; they are community that sticks together."

As well as working for the T&A, Mr Preston worked at the Bingley firm of T Harrison and Sons who at one time published the Bingley Guardian newspaper. He also worked at Lund Humphries, Hallmark printers and finally at Bradford Royal Infirmary's stationery department from where he retired 21 years ago.

The funeral service was held this afternoon at Bingley United Reformed Church followed by cremation at Nab Wood.