By Tan Parsons FESTIVAL organisers in Hampstead have paid tribute to the jazz musician and radio presenter Humphrey Lyttelton, who died at the age of 86. Mr Lyttelton, who was a regular performer at the Proms at St Jude s in Hampstead Garden Suburb and at

By Tan Parsons

FESTIVAL organisers in Hampstead have paid tribute to the jazz musician and radio presenter Humphrey Lyttelton, who died at the age of 86.

Mr Lyttelton, who was a regular performer at the Proms at St Jude's in Hampstead Garden Suburb and at the Royal Free Hospital, underwent a heart operation last week but died on Friday after the surgery.

Susie Gregson, the managing director of the Proms at St Jude's, said: "We are much saddened by the news that Humphrey Lyttelton has passed away.

"He was always warm and supportive of the proms, and we will miss his great musicianship and humour.

"His performance last year, when the Suburb was celebrating its centenary, was to a packed house who enjoyed superb trad jazz interspersed by his ever-sharp dialogue and wit."

Mr Lyttelton, who was known affectionately as "Humph", appeared several times at the proms to great acclaim. He was heavily involved as a patron and gave an amusing interview for a short film to promote this year's festival.

At its next meeting the Proms committee will decide how to commemorate Mr Lyttelton at this year's festival, which runs from June14 to 22.

See this week's Ham&High for more on this story