A LONG-serving member of Warrington Male Voice Choir is to be given a stirring send-off by his colleagues, following his death at the age of 76.

Dozens of members of the award-winning choir are expected to attend Walton Lea Crematorium tomorrow, Friday, to pay their respects to Harry Quinn, who died in Warrington Hospital last Sunday.

The popular baritone had been a member of the choir, on and off, for around 35 years and was held in high regard by all those who knew him.

Former Crosfields worker Mr Quinn, who lived in Shanklin Close, Great Sankey, leaves his wife, Jean, and a large extended family.

Next-door neighbour and close friend Steve Grant, aged 54, said: "Everyone who knew him respected him.

"Harry has done his bit over the years to publicise the fact, everywhere he went, that Warrington has a world-class choir."

Mr Quinn enjoyed a range of styles, from classical stalwarts such as Wagner to more contemporary musicals like Miss Saigon and Les Miserables.

But while he used to like to keep himself in the background, according to Mr Grant, fellow choristers were able to spring a surprise on him earlier this year.

Their Parr Hall concert in March, which took place on the night of Mr Quinn's 76th birthday, was dedicated to him, much to his delight.

Choir secretary Ian Scholes said: "He will certainly be missed - he was one of our most reliable members and a great choirman. He was rock solid."

The service at Walton Lea begins at 1.25pm and choir members have agreed to act as pallbearers.

The choir is expected to sing a selection of hymns, as well as one of Harry's personal favourites, Whitney Houston's One Moment In Time.