A POPULAR local artist and teacher, who was a familiar figure at meetings of Malvern Concert Club, has died.

The funeral service for Eddie Hargrave of Quay Lane, Hanley Castle, took place at Worcester Crematorium.

At the concert club, he not only listened to the music but skilfully sketched the performers as they played.

“It could be distracting sitting next to him with his pencil bobbing about the page,” said fellow enthusiast Sidney Pavey of Upton. “But his sketches were often funny and accurate and no-one complained.”

Along with his wife Delia and daughters he moved to Hanley Castle 45 years ago. Mr Hargrave taught at several educational establishments, including primary schools, a printing college in Birmingham and Malvern Hills College. He died in Worcestershire Royal Hospital, aged 85.