An exhibition telling the story of a world-famous Bradford band will pay tribute to its drummer who died suddenly.

Robert Heaton, pictured, was with New Model Army for 15 years. He died on November 4 at his home in the city, after suffering pancreatic cancer.

The display at Cartwright Hall in Lister Park will celebrate his life and the upcoming 25th anniversary of the band who met in 1980 and went on to become one of the Bradford's biggest rock bands selling more than one million records worldwide.

"The exhibition was planned last year but is even more significant now because of Robert's death," said Justin Sullivan, lead singer with the band.

"He was a multi-talented musician and we will be paying tribute to his life's work and the massive contribution he made to the band."

The exhibition called One Family, One Tribe will include a unique archive of paintings, photographs, costumes and objects. Concert footage will be played on big screens and people will be able to hear the band's music in booths.

It has been organised by Joolz Denby, the artist responsible for all their artwork, and guest curator Nina Baptiste.

"This is people's art and is accessible to all," said Joolz. "We hope that it appeals to people who might not normally go to art galleries and museums."

"They are a legendary underground cult band and still have a massive following, they regularly tour Europe and America performing their music."

The band, who have just released their Carnivore album, will also play an acoustic gig at the show's preview on Friday, December 10, from 7.30pm to 9pm.

"Now entering its 25th year, we in New Model Army are extremely happy that this exhibition of our artwork has had its first showing at such a beautiful and well respected venue as Cartwright Hall," said Justin, who still lives in Bradford.

"In future we expect this exhibition to tour major galleries in both Europe and the United States but it is an enormous pleasure to think that it started here in our home city."

Mr Heaton, who co-wrote a lot of the band's songs including the anthem Green and Grey, left the band in 1998 to recover from surgery to remove a brain tumour.

He then formed his own group, Gardeners of Eden, and was involved with Fresh Milk, a project to nurture young musical talent in the city.

The exhibition runs until January 30.