A ROYAL College of Music scholar is dedicating his viola performance with the Blackburn Symphony Orchestra to the memory of his late father.

Former Accrington and Rossendale College student David Aspin, 38, will give a solo performance of Berlioz’s Harold in Italy Opus 16 at the orchestra’s summer concert tomorrow night (Saturday) at the Westholme Theatre in Blackburn.

David, who now lives in Todmorden, said: "There will be charitable donations to the Lancashire Youth Association who have bursaries for young people to further their interests in the Arts.

"Any money we can generate is obviously beneficial to the cause.

"The performance I’m giving is as soloist with the orchestra and I’m dedicating my performance to the memory of my late father Michael Aspin who was keen to enthuse younger people in more positive pursuits."

Michael was a decorator for Porters in Accrington all his life before his death in 2005.

David, who also attended Hyndburn Park Junior and Moorhead High School and is the grandson of former Hyndburn council leader Ken Curtis.

He is now principal viola of the Opera North orchestra in Leeds and plays regular concerts all over Lancashire and Yorkshire.

The concert, which starts at 7.30pm, will also feature Beethoven’s Symphony Number 7 opus 92.

Tickets available on the door priced £8 for adults, £4 for students under 19. Under-12s get in free.