A SPECIAL service is taking place to remember one of Darwen's longest standing music directors who died last month.

Bob McVean, 71, will be remembered during a service at St Peter's Church, Darwen, on Thursday. The church choir and the Darwen Ladies' Choir will also sing in his memory.

Bob died on April 8 when a major blood vessel burst in his chest, just a year short of 25 years service to Darwen Ladies' Choir.

The choir was re-established in 1946 and Bob became musical director in 1985.

One of his first acts as musical director was change the name from Newrad Singers to its current title and the Laurel Choir amalgamated with them.

His wife Veronica, 71, of Key View, Whitehall, met him 10 years ago when she was a choir singer in Wolverhampton. They married and Veronica moved to Darwen and joined Darwen Ladies' Choir.

She said: "He was quite poorly at Christmas but he got so much better, then this happened out of the blue it was a shock to us all.

"Music was his life. When he lived in Scotland he was a well known solo artist.

"He came to Lancashire for work and carried on with his music. He entered the choir in quite a few competitions years ago.

"This service will be a wonderful tribute to him.

"He enjoyed all sorts of songs. Our last party piece was Rhythm of Life."

Choir member Dora Massey, from Hoddlesden, said: "As a conductor of our choir he was witty, enjoyed a laugh and made a point of getting to know the choir members.

"Music was his life, as was the choir.

"He spent hours searching out new songs for us.

"He new every part of every song and would sing at rehearsals if he felt help was needed.

"Bob will sadly be missed by choir members but nevertheless we hope to continue singing and entertaining in the community and are currently engaged in talks with a prospective new conductor."

The service will take place at 7.30pm everyone is welcome to join.