A former regional press journalist who played the trombone in a number of bands and orchestras has died at the age of 78.

Barry Wood started out in journalism as a reporter at the Keighley News before moving on to work at Bradford’s Telegraph and Argus and the Yorkshire Sports newspaper as rugby league reporter.

He became the Daily Sketch’s rugby league correspondent in 1968, where he worked for three years until it merged with the Daily Mail in 1971.

Barry then moved to work at Leeds-based Gosnays Sports Agency until he retired in 1996.

The Keighley News reports that he was “a noted musician”, playing the trombone with the Gordon Tetley Big Band, the Bill Cross Orchestra and the Leeds Dance Orchestra.

Barry had played the trombone as a child then took it up again in later life after being inspired by musician Stan Kenton.

He was a treasurer with the Gordon Tetley Band and, while not a band leader, often took on the role to keep groups going.

Barry, whose funeral was held last week, leaves wife Frances and his children and grandchildren.