TO the slow, rhythmic tread of a New Orleans marching band Newport said farewell to one of its best-loved characters, a jazz man who over 30 years brought joy to thousands.

For decades the rumbling voice and exuberant trombone of Bob Gribble brought a colourful cross-section of Newport to Monday- night jazz sessions at the Engineers' pub just across the road from his Baneswell home.

Yesterday, at St Woolos Cathedral, those who had been the recipients of so much pleasure and warmth gathered to see their old friend off.

"When Bob's Acme Jazz Band was giving of their best there wasn't even standing room. So many people turned up that if you wanted to use the facilities it was generally a case of going out of the back door and popping back into the door nearest the loo," former Engineers' landlord Roger Boswell said.

"The Acme Jazz Band with Bob as its leader became a Newport institution."

Like jazz and the blues itself, the funeral was a mantle of exuberance drawn over a deep well of loss and grief. The Camelia Parade Jazz Band preceeded the cortege up Stow Hill and into the cathedral.

"Bob Gribble was a larger-than-life personality who gave with every aspect of his life," the Reverend Mark Soady, officiating, told the packed cathedral. "We are here to say'goodbye', but also'thank you'. A trumpet is sounding in Heaven."

As the rain passed and a bright, wintry sun flooded the scene the Camelia band and scores of Bob Gribble's friends formed a semi-circle outside the cathedral for an impromptu jazz performance.

Devon-born, Bob Gribble came to Newport 30 years ago to work as a mental health nurse. He died at home at Christmas, aged 58, only a day after giving a jazz performance.