TRIBUTES have been paid to a musician believed to be the only remaining member of a popular band in the 1940s and 50s.

Eric Noble, who died at his home in Tenerife on May 3 at the age of 87, was a trombonist in Brighton’s Syd Dean Band, which had a residency at the Regent Ballroom in North Street for many years.

Mr Noble joined the band in 1953 and enjoyed playing at the venue and others around the city during his time with the group.

Paying tribute to Mr Noble, his life-long friend Desmond Jones said: “The world has lost a truly lovely man.

“When you were with Eric Noble you were never far away from laughter.

“He was an amazing character.

“All my friends have all altered over the years – but not him.

“We met at the Regent Ballroom.

“When I first met him I was about 20 and he was 23.

“We were youngsters together and remained friends.

“I am a musician too but never rose to the heights of the Syd Dean Band.

“Eric had a tremendous personality and was always happy.

“He was an incredible character.”

Mr Jones, who lives in Sidcup, worked in the Regent Ballroom management team in the mid 1950s and Mr Noble was his best man.

The pair lost touch in 1981 but were reunited years later after they made contact again through a Brighton-based history website.

Eric was the leader of The Norfolk Hotel’s orchestra in Brighton and also used to own Washing Machine Rentals in Kensington Gardens.

He began his music career as a member of The Central Band of The Royal Air Force.

He then moved to work at Butlin’s Holiday Camp near Filey, North Yorkshire, where he joined the Charles Amer Band, backing then up-and-coming singer Des O’Connor.

He left the band to go on tour with American jazz singer Lena Horne, before going to Brighton to join the Syd Dean band.

Mr Noble met his wife Glen at the Regent Ballroom and the couple enjoyed 60 years of marriage before she died last year.

Mr Dean regularly appeared on the BBC’s popular Dancing By The Sea programme, where 1,500 revellers could be seen “bopping around the clock”.

The band also played backing music in the bestselling record I See The Moon by famous British group The Stargazers.