The death has been announced of Charlie Rushworth, one of the great brass band players of the immediate post war period. He was 88.

Formidable

Hailing from one of the great Yorkshire brass band families, he gained a reputation as one of the leading players of his generation with a formidable pedigree as a slow melody player.

It was once reported that such was his brilliance that after one particular victory, the great New Zealand cornet virtuoso Ken Smith vowed he would never compete in another solo contest again.

It was once reported that such was his brilliance that after one particular victory, the great New Zealand cornet virtuoso Ken Smith vowed he would never compete in another solo contest again4BR

Champion

He was crowned All England Cornet Champion in 1946, before becoming one of the leading players in the banding movement.

The funeral will be held on Friday 27th April at St Peter’s Church, Firs Lane, Leigh at 10.45am.