IT was sad to hear of the death of singer Val Doonican.

Although he won’t be remembered by many today, he was a big star at a gentler time. My former Bolton News’ photographic colleague Derek Ralphs sent me this picture he took of Val at Bolton’s Albert Halls in the ‘80s.

Although Val had pushed the Beatles off the No.1 slot, he was still very approachable. “I just knocked on his dressing room door back-stage,” recalls Derek, “and was welcomed in to take this typically relaxed pose of Val.”

No minders, no histrionics, no diva-like behaviour. RIP Val.