Wakefield Jazz Club founder Alec Sykes dies from Covid-related illness

Alec Sykes alongside his wife, Faith, founded and nutured the jazz club from 1987 up until 2004.

Paying tribute to Mr Sykes, Wakefield Jazz Club said: "Starting with local musicians, he expanded into bringing people up from London. After achieving a National Lottery grant to purchase a Grand Piano, he felt emboldened to also feature world class pianists, bringing great pleasure to his loyal audience.

Alec had a very special relationship with the musicians that he booked – many of whom stayed overnight at his home. Several of these are still returning to Wakefield, as some of the biggest names in the jazz world, and generally took the opportunity to fit in a visit to Alec and Faith.