THE funeral of a former community radio presenter and jazz musician takes place on Friday.

Friends of Terry Willits, from Barnard Castle, who died on Friday, February 14, are invited to a celebration of his life at the Wear Valley Crematorium, in Coundon, County Durham, on Friday, at 2.45pm.

Mr Willits was part of the original team that produced Radio Teesdale’s first pilot broadcast in 2004 and produced a popular weekly jazz programme.

In the early days of the radio station, he bedecked his car in the Radio Teesdale colours for the Barnard Castle Meet’s procession.

He was a former lecturer in Media Sociology and was chairman of Durham Dales Action for Carers, Deputy Chairman of Barnard Castle Citizens Advice Bureau, a trustee of Teesdale Youth and Community Services, founding organiser of Music at the Bowes Museum and promoted jazz concerts with his Teesdale Jazz Quartet, at The Witham, in Barnard Castle. Family flowers only are requested.

Refreshments will be served at the Morritt Arms Hotel, in Greta Bridge, after the service.

Friends unable to attend the funeral are invited to join Mr Willits’ family at the hotel from 4.30pm.