TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘very gentle’ Pogmoor man by one of Britain’s most famous comedians after he died earlier this month.

Terry Herrington died peacefully in Barnsley Hospital on March 5, aged 85, and was known to many as a stalwart of the entertainment scene for more than five decades - including Bernie Clifton.

Terry was a lifelong friend of Bernie’s, who described him as ‘the go-to guy’ in the entertainment industry.

Bernie told the Chronicle: “Terry lived at Pogmoor and he was a complete - and it’s not a misuse of the word - legend.

“He was a very important presence in the entertainment scene in South Yorkshire for some considerable time.

“He then went onto be a piano teacher, and I’ve heard second and third hand from them about he helped them - he brought a lot to the area.”

Terry was known as a leading keyboard player, arranger and musical director, as well as the band leader at Greasbrough Social Club - then known as the ‘Palladium of the North’.

“I met Terry in 1968 at Greasbrough as I auditioned for clubland act of the year and it was the start of a great friendship,” Bernie added.

“I toured with Terry and it’s been a great journey with him - he was such a lovely man and very gentle.

“He had a very Yorkshire sense of humour and you can talk to any of the acts in that time and Terry was the man - the go-to guy.

“It’s impossible to overplay the importance he had on the club scene, he had such an effect on people’s careers.”

Terry was a dearly-loved husband to Lidiya, a much-loved dad, step dad, loving grandad, great grandad and a very good friend to all that knew him.

His funeral service will be held at Barnsley Crematorium on April 1.