A Carleton man who played in a popular band for more than 25 years has died.

Stephen Akrigg, 65, died on Christmas Day at Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope.

Mr Akrigg, who was born in Skipton, played and sung in Custer’s Last Band, which had given performances at Skipton Gala since the mid 1980s.

An entrepreneur, he worked as a plumber and ran a laundry equipment business before establishing Yellison Farm Goats at Carleton ten years ago. He began making goats cheese two years later and, today, the award-winning cheese is sold nationally.

Mr Akrigg was also an enthusiastic sportsman, playing at Skipton Rugby Club for many years. He also enjoyed cycling.

He is survived by four children, Michael, Kate, Jessica, and Jonathan, and five grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Skipton Crematorium next Friday, January 10 at 12.20pm, followed by a wake at Skipton Rugby Club.