THE FAMILY of a ‘bubbly’ Darwen pensioner who became a singing sensation in his seventies is to release a new record in his memory.

Darwen vocalist Steve Simpson marked his 72nd year in 2007 by recording his debut CD, raising hundreds of pounds for charity.

The 75-year-old grandfather died earlier this month after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Now, his family have vowed to continue his charity work for the Schools and Water Project in Africa by realeasing a new single and donating the proceeds.

His daughter, Margaret, 51, of Southport, said: "He lived life to the full and singing was one of his many passions.

"His charity work was also very important to him and he paid for a water pump to be installed in a village in Gambia.

"We are hoping to raise enough money to pay for another water well."

Mr Simpson, of Ross Street, a former sales rep for Roachbridge Paper Mill, Samlesbury, began his singing career aged just six as a boy soprano in his local church choir at St Barnabas CofE Church, Watery Lane, Darwen.

After serving with the Royal Artillery in South Korea he joined Darwen-based musical group, the Margaret Davis group, and sang with them for the next 36 years.

Mr Simpson had also been part of Darwen choir The Ashleigh Singers, led by former Blackburn College head of music Michael Greenhalgh.

It was with the help of old friend Michael and fellow choir singer Seamus Heffernan, 50, who runs Shamrock Studios, Balderstone, that Mr Simpson recorded his first CD.

"Music has been his life and this will be a very fitting way of remembering him”, Margaret added.

He leaves daughters Gweny and Jeanette, grandchildren Sarah, Hayley and Liam and sister Enid.