HISTORIC Gawthorpe Hall is to premiere a work by famous East Lancashire composer and pianist, William Blezard, who died earlier this year.

Prior to his death he had been working on a composition entitled Gawthorpe Dances, which had been inspired by his childhood in Padiham.

It will be performed by the Turner Smith Duo at the hall on Saturday, September 27.

As a youngster, William Blezard played piano at the local cinema where his talent was recognised by a generous benefactor who paid for his piano lessons and helped him get a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, in London.

After graduating, he found work at the Denham Film Studios, where he worked with stars including Margaret Lockwood and Peter Ustinov. He later became the pianist on BBC children's programme Playschool and regularly appeared with Johnny Ball on his Think of a Number show.

He married conductor Joan Kemp and they had two children and although the family made its home in the South he never forgot his roots.

The concert will be given by musicians John Turner and Neil Smith, in honour of William's work, which entertained audiences for more than 70 years.

Limited tickets, priced £10 each, are available for the premiere of Gawthorpe Dances by phoning Gawthorpe Hall on 01282 771004.