TEN members of Peter Frank’s Dixieland All Stars jazz band gave him a traditional New Orleans marching band-style send off as mourners gathered for his funeral today.

Nab Wood Crematorium was packed to capacity with many people paying their respects being forced to stand in the foyer.

A horse-drawn hearse was preceded to the service by the players who also played after the ceremony.

Mr Frank, who grew up in Shipley, died suddenly at the age of 82 on May 13. He was one of the Aire Valley’s best known jazz musicians.

The double bass player had led his band in a two hour session at Bingley Jazz Club at the Mavericks Bar in Main Street only two days before his death.

Only two months ago they played at Bingley Arts Centre at a concert that raised £2,500 for Manorlands hospice.

Fellow band member and banjoist Jim Wright paid tribute to his friend.

“It was very sudden and a great shock, but typical of Peter to have been playing right up to the end,” he said.

“I played with him for the last 30 years. He was a really popular man; very talented in both art, he was an accomplished watercolour artist, and music and a good organiser. He also did a lot for charity.”

Mr Frank attended Bradford Art College, when David Hockney was a student there and knew him well. He became a commercial artist and was also an art teacher.

Current president Allan Hillary said: “Peter was a good friend and a well-liked man. He lived life to the full and has nothing to come back for. I have been following jazz for 60 years and it was a pleasure to listen to Peter and his band play. I expect he will be up there right now playing jazz with other musicians as we speak.”

The band was formed in 1998, first playing at the Malt Shovel in Burley-in-Wharfedale.

They played on Sunday evenings at the Wharfedale in Arthington between 1999 and 2003 before switching to Baildon Old Hall.

The band later became known as Peter Frank’s Dixieland All Stars and performed at many other venues in the North and Midlands.

His double bass was taken along to his funeral service by his son, Christopher, and daughter, Jillian.