RETIRED postman Brian Lyons who had a love of music, horse riding and helping others has died aged 79.

Mr Lyons worked for 36 years delivering the post to villages on the outskirts of Devizes but was also known to many as the accordionist for the band Wiltshire KLOF

This week his children April and Paul along with Bob and Gill Berry from Wiltshire Folk Arts and Chippenham Folk Festival paid tribute to a man who always wanted to do his bit for the community and was a talented musician.

Mr and Mrs Berry said: "We are very sad to hear of the loss of Brian and it will come as a shock to the huge numbers of people that has been part of his life.

"We first met Brian as a postman when we came to live in Potterne in 1987 but soon discovered he had many other talents. As folk singers we were always pleased to come into contact with good musicians interested in folk music.

"Brian was an accordionist playing for local dances for many years including the well known Wiltshire KLOF, a band many, many people will have danced to in various country dances and ceilidhs in and around Wiltshire.

"For many years Brian has also been a musician for the Chippenham Folk Festival Schools day at the end of May and was respected by all who came into contact with him

"On a personal note we don’t think we have met a more honest, personable, dedicated and pleasant man and the loss to his family, the folk world and the people of Devizes will be felt deeply.

Rest in Peace Brian and thank you for the music."

His daughter April also remembers a man who had a zest for life and was dancing up until the night before he was taken ill and also had a number of trips planned. She said: "He was a very friendly man and very kind. He would do anything for anyone.

"He took up horse riding in later life and that became very important to him. His favourite holiday, which he did every year, was to The White Stallion Ranch in Arizona. He worked for many years with Devizes PHAB and was its chairman for a while."

Mr Lyons, who also leaves, three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, grew up in Devizes and was always keen on music and folk dancing.

He was found collapsed at his Devizes home on February 5 and died on Sunday morning at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon.

His funeral will be on February 22 at 4pm at West Wiltshire crematorium at Semington. Family flowers only with donations to Devizes PHAB and Riding for the disabled.