An accomplished musician who appeared on TV and accompanied actor Dudley Moore on the saxophone has died.

Patrick (Pat) Bell of Weymouth, a talented session musician, who performed all over the world and on the Mike Yarwood Show, has died aged 77.

Pat, the beloved only child of Missie and Chas, was born July 8 1942 and lived in Franchise Street.

He was a devoted husband to Jennifer and a beloved father to Emilie and Christian, stepfather to Marcus and Sam. Pat was a much loved grandfather to Isabelle, Imogen, Ines, Sofia, Samuel, Sasha-Rose, Abby, Lewis, Fynn and George.

He was also father in law to Ian, Emma and Mal.

Pat lived a full life, which encompassed a love of music as a player and record store owner, before retraining as a nurse lead him into opening the well-respected Roundhayes House Nursing Home in Weymouth.

He went to school at Thornlow and then Thomas Hardye’s in Dorchester.

An accomplished distance swimmer, Pat won trophies in his youth for winning races from Newton’s Cove to Overcombe, as well as being a keen water polo player.

Pat was an accomplished musician throughout his life, playing in many bands in the UK and overseas including a residency at a US military base in Naples.

His musical talents were recognised early when as a 19 year old he accompanied Dudley Moore on the saxophone on a Southern Television production Strictly for the Birds. This wasn’t Pat’s only TV work as he was a regular member of the house band for the Mike Yarwood Show.

He became an in-demand session musician, who could play saxophone, flute, piano and jazz bass, playing on many albums before joining The Nite People who toured Europe extensively before signing with Fontana in 1966 releasing several records and went on to support a host of major stars including Georgie Fame, the Beach Boys & Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, to name but a few.

After leaving the Nite People he was a founder member of Blackwater Gold and played with KB Sounds Show Band, the Alan Martin Band & the Pete Wilson Band.

Pat continued playing music around the Dorset area on a semi-professional basis until 2019, including 16 years with Blandford band the Ambassadors and the ever popular All Stars the resident band for Weymouth Pavilion, who he played with since he was 19.

He was a perfectionist about his music - often out every night either playing or rehearsing.

In the 1970s Pat ran The Record and Tape Centre in Fredrick Place, where he grew a loyal clientele who appreciated his love for and detailed knowledge of music.

In the 1980s Pat trained as a nurse and by the end of the decade, together with Jennifer, he accomplished his dream to open up a nursing home.

Pat took much pride in Roundhayes House Nursing Home, which he ran with his wife Jenny for 19 years before retiring in 2007.

He kept up his love of live music playing, as a semi-professional musician with local bands in Blandford the Ambassadors and the All Stars, until last year.

Pat loved boats and loved making trips across the Channel in ‘Laurel Lady’, or accompanying old friends Barry and Rod on their boats.

Pat lived most of his nearly 78 years of life in Weymouth and was a legend around the town, who will be sadly missed.

Many people have shared fond memories, heart-warming stories and commented on Pat’s Facebook page.

Here, his family would like to share a few that made them smile with pride.

‘A great player on saxes and flute; Pat was held in high regard by fellow players and audiences everywhere’

‘A brilliant musician’

‘World class saxophone player’

‘Such a wonderful man’

‘A really great intuitive tasteful player’

‘Will miss this ol’ bugger’

‘Sad loss to Weymouth music scene for which he was part of for as long as I can remember’

Possibly the best way to finish is a comment from another of his many musician friends,

‘Rest in peace Pat……& start warming up the band!’

*Pat Bell's funeral was held on July 23 as a private service due to current restrictions. A musical memorial will take place once restrictions allow.