He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer recently and sadly died in hospital aged 57 – just days before he was due to marry his long standing partner Fiona.

A Geordie – who was once asked to play keyboards for the 70's chart band Lindisfarne – he arrived in Buxton from London and added to the local Club Acoustic by launching a concert series which brought artistes from all over the UK and across the Atlantic to Buxton.

He introduced Showcase, giving local artistes the opportunity to perform to a wider audience using amplification.

Showcases gave birth to many local performers and groups. Through the years, Club Acoustic changed venues and Chris helped to find premises – and in doing so he widened music presence in Buxton.

Club Acoustic sessions still take place at The Eagle and The Prince of Wales pubs.

During last year's Fringe Festival, Chris set up and ran a Music Marquee at Ramsay's Bar at The Buckingham Hotel.

Chris had a great online 'presence.' Taking part in newsgroup discussions, he co-organised an annual residential weekend for the transatlantic organisation RMMGA.

This brought exceptional acoustic performers from both sides of the Atlantic to the venue, Hargate Hall at Wormhill near Buxton. This event was also used by Chris as a source of amazing talent for Club Acoustic concerts.

Chris also created and maintained a website diary of musical events within easy travelling distance of Buxton – http://prem.calendars.net/bcabuxtonevents.

Buxton musician and Club Acoustic co-founder Richard Bateman said: "Chris was a great character of generous spirit who will be much missed.

"As a performer he brought a lovely easy friendliness through his music, telling tales through the medium of song.

"I first met him when he came to Buxton with the idea of forming a folk club and he had discovered Club Acoustic," said Richard.

"Chris's most recent musical performances were with the band formed with Bernie Dart, Snakey Terrain.

Richard added: "This group was a pure delight featuring Chris's lovely mellow voice and delightfully sensitive guitar playing."

Band colleague and friend Bernie Dart, from Buxton, said Chris had played two excellently received gigs at the Tea Pot Festival, Flash and Foolow just a fortnight before he died.

Bernie said: "Chris did endless work for music and was an accomplished musician with a voice of quality and I had great admiration for him.

"I have played music with Chris over the last few years and have learnt so much from him and feel privileged to have played with such a talented man.

" He was able to play many different styles of music and could find a song for every occasion. As the front-man for our band he is irreplaceable.

"I will remember his Geordie voice, his great sense of humour, and the laughs we had together.