Local members of the marching band fraternity have paid tribute to a familiar face to the band scene who recently passed away.

Mr. Sam Dickson from Limavady was well known in this area throughout the marching season in his role as Drum Major parading in front of numerous bands entertaining the crowds with his marching white Akita dogs.

A spokesperson for the local bands said: "On behalf of all the marching bands and entire band scene in Co. Fermanagh, we would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Sam Dickson from Limavady on his passing.

Sam was a true, loyal and dedicated bandsman all his life and a member of the Constable Anderson Memorial FB from Larne and could be seen at parades all over Northern Ireland."

The spokesperson added: "Indeed Sam was only to happy to stop and pose for photos with families, children, friends and band members at parades. Sam and his dogs were regular visitors to Fermanagh attending parades in Kesh for North Fermanagh Young Defenders Flute Band, in Enniskillen for Enniskillen Fusiliers Flute Band and South Fermanagh Loyalist Flute Band to name a few, and made many friends along the way and was very popular with bands people and spectators alike.

"Sam will be sorely missed not only here in Fermanagh but the marching band scene all over Northern Ireland."