Tributes have been paid from every corner of the world to euphonium player Paul Walton, whose untimely passing has shocked the banding movement.

He was 48. He leaves a widow, Nicky and children Anna, Alex, James and Lucy.

Described by everyone who met him as a loving family man, extremely talented player and genuine and dedicated bandsman, Paul performed with many of the UKs leading bands, latterly at Fairey where he was a valued member of the baritone section and was joined by his young son Alex who played percussion.

Numerous bands

Born in Saddleworth, Paul studied at the RNCM in Manchester and played with a number of leading bands in the UK as well as being a performer and manager of the respected Tubalate brass ensemble.

He was able to balance his busy professional life working with the North West Ambulance Service with his playing in a career that saw him start with Boarshurst B Band and go on to perform with the likes of Sellers, Foden's, Tredegar, Black Dyke, Grimethorpe, Wingates and BT bands amongst many others on the contest and concert stage.

Tributes

Tributes were paid by numerous former colleagues and friends, whilst a statement from Fairey Band said: "On behalf of all those associated with the Fairey Band organisation, we thank people for the messages of sympathy received and marks of respect paid, and send our heartfelt condolences and love to Paul's wife Nicky, and children Anna, Alex, James and Lucy."