AS a boilerman at a Burnley mill, Stan Strange’s job was to keep the premises at a warm temperature for the workers.

But it was at night when he really turned up the heat. For Stan set up and played in his own banjo band, which specialised in the roaring 20s style of music.

He was 55 in 1969, but not the oldest in the line-up that accolade went to Albert Herrett, who was 70 — and the band used to practice at his home in Lowerhouse.

Stan, who lived in Hapton, formed his band in the mid sixties and it became well known for its charity work throughout the Burnley area.

Three years on, it underwent a makeover and trumpeter, George Bernett, of Burnley, was brought in to add more oomph.

The fourth member was Walter Cavell, of Burnley.

The band became known as the New Dixieland Banjo Band and bookings soon began pouring in.

It set the beat throughout the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale area, playing for enthusiastic audiences at private parties, concerts and in local clubs and pubs.

Do you remember the banjo band, or do you have any photos of your own, local amateur musicians?