STEETON Male Voice Choir members were due to sing their farewells to two long-serving members on January 14.

The singers were invited to perform at the funerals of Silsden man Frank Place and Ilkley man Gordon Sugden.

Choir spokesman Eric Parker said the choir’s thoughts were with the families of both men, who were regarded as stalwarts after many years’ service.

He said: “We are a large choir and all enjoy the camaraderie of a group of men with the same interest of making music together for the benefit of the community.

“We feel sad for the loss of friends, but give thanks that we have known them.”

Mr Parker said it was with great sadness that choir members said a final goodbye to their comrades at consecutive services at Silsden Methodist Church and Sacred Heart Church in Ilkley.

He said illness had prevented Frank, 87, from singing with the choir during the last couple of years but he still remained a member and looked after the Gift Aid finances.

Mr Parker said: “Frank has been regularly travelling with us to concerts until the summer of last year. The choir’s thoughts are with his family at this time.”

The choir had previously sung twice at the Sheffield Northern General Spinal Injuries Hospital where Gordon, 84, was treated following an accident two years ago that left him paralysed below his neck.

Mr Parker said: “The choir sang to help raise the spirits of Gordon and patients suffering from these life-changing events.

“It was an inspiration to the choir that Gordon wanted to accompany us and sing with us as we toured the wards.

“Gordon never took anything on unless he could give of his best. He was presented with his 30-year long service badge as soon as he arrived home after leaving Sheffield.”