MEMBERS of an Accrington mod band who supported top acts including Stiff Little Fingers have been left devastated after its lead singer died suddenly.

Russell Lowe who fronted 'The Itch' suffered a cardiac arrest at his home and passed away on Saturday aged 53.

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Band members paid tribute to the singer via their Facebook page 'The-itch Accrington' where they described him as 'greatest frontman of any band he played in'.

The group originally called 'the Technical Itch' was formed in 1992 by brothers David and Colin Benmore who enlisted friends Pat Gallagher and bass player Mark Griffiths.

The line up and name changed over the years with Russell, formerly of band the Fred Kennedys becoming lead vocalist in 2012.

The band has supported acts also including Sham 69, Bad Manners, The Affair, Buzzcocks and Edwin Starr and have headlined at King George's Hall, Blackburn.

One of their early tracks, 'Wigan to Brighton' was later reproduced by the late Rex Sargeant, producer of some New Order tracks.

Wigan to Brighton was released under the band's new name, 'The Itch' and became Radio One DJ John Peel's favourite so much so that he rang the band to say how much he liked it.

The band has cancelled its forthcoming dates as a mark of respect to the former Rhyddings High School pupil.

Band member Colin Benmore who also worked with his bandmate at Accrington Academy, described him as 'a joker'.

He said: "He put up a brave fight. He was a very caring person and he was a joker.

"He was very quick-witted and he enjoyed a laugh. He absolutely loved his family and friends.

"If you met him you loved him. The big highlight for him was supporting Stiff Little Fingers at King George's Hall, Blackburn.

"They were his idols and he couldn't believe he was on stage supporting them.

"He was a fantastic person and we will miss him so much."

Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers has sent his condolences to Russell's family and friends.

A tribute is currently being talked about and will probably involve something to help the British Heart Foundation, Mr Benmore said.

A date for the funeral has yet to be fixed.

Mr Lowe leaves wife Laura and children Stephen, Nicola, Chelsey, stepson Zach and Harvey aged 11.