TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-serving Newport chorister who died last month.

Roy Desmond Elliott lost his battle with throat cancer on July 17, aged 77. He had been a member of the City of Newport Male Choir for 46 years, joining in 1966.

The father of four was a prominent member of the choir, joining them on many tours during his long career.

This included trips to Canada, the British Embassy in Paris and to Germany, where he received a standing ovation for his solo of the song Lily of the Valley.

Despite his illness, the greatgrandfather and former council worker always kept in touch with the choir and while he was unable to attend practices regularly, he would always support them by attending concerts.

Choir chairman Colin Shurmer described the second tenor as a true gentleman and a “choir man through and through”.

He said: “Music ran in his veins, and he had such a wonderful voice on him.”

“He was such an ambassador for the city, representing the choir through various parts of the world. He was one of the ‘Band of Brothers’ and he will always be in the memories of all who knew him.”

Choir concert secretary George Cairns fondly referred to Mr Elliott as “Mr Music”

and told how he once went to London to record songs with rock band The Who, because bass guitarist John Entwistle’s dad was part of the choir.

Mr Cairns said: “He was a brilliant singer and a genuinely lovely man.”

Mr Elliot, leaves his wife Jean, children Sharon, Deborah, Tracey and Robert, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

His funeral will take place at Newport’s Salvation Army Citadel tomorrow, at 10.45am, followed by a service at Gwent Crematorium.