The Wingates Band has announced the retirement of their highly respected President, David Kaye.

End of era

A spokesperson told 4BR: "It is with sadness and regret that we announce the end of an era with the retirement of Band President David Kaye (above).

David has been a loyal servant and ardent supporter of Wingates Band for over 25 years and has seen us through many trials and tribulations with a smile on his face, accompanied with a very generous and giving nature."

We are indebted to his many endeavours both within the Bolton community and with his dedicated service to our patrons and supportersWingates Band

Indebted

They added: "Words are powerless to express our gratitude to David, who has taken a truly remarkable journey with us. We are indebted to his many endeavours both within the Bolton community and with his dedicated service to our patrons and supporters.

He has published many excellent history books on Wingates Band and has been a devoted historian to us and the Westhoughton community. We will find it very hard to continue without him, but it is critically important for us to prosper in his name.

We wish David a very happy and well-earned retirement and sincerely hope that he enjoys the best of health, and receives every joy in life that he so richly deserves."