Friends and family will gather at Skipton Crematorium tomorrow to say farewell to a Carleton man who had played in the popular Custer’s Last Band for more than 25 years.

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

An entrepreneur, he worked as a plumber and ran a laundry equipment business before establishing Yellison Farm Goats at Carleton ten years ago.

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

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

A funeral service will be held at Skipton Crematorium tomorrow at 12.20pm (not 12.50pm as stated last week) followed by a wake at Skipton Rugby Club.