A DAD'S last wish came true when his 10-year-old son took to the stage to play the beloved saxophone he had given him.

John Pagett, of Stourport, passed the tenor sax on to son Sam when he discovered he was terminally ill with lung cancer last Christmas.

He hoped his son would follow in his footsteps and become good enough to perform in public.

On Saturday, at an emotional memorial concert paid for and organised by John before his death in June, Sam fulfilled the dream, playing three songs with district rock band Blind Lemon. Sam Pagett who learnt to play his father's saxophone.

Robert Allen, the band's keyboard player, said Sam's performance had been 'brilliant'.

"Considering how long he's been playing he did fantastically well. There wasn't a dry eye in the house while he played - it was pretty emotional."

Sam's mum Jill added: "His dad would have been very proud of him, just like we all are."

The event at Stourport Workmen's Club was arranged by John himself.

"He did not want a wake after his funeral - he wanted a party at a later date for his family and friends," said Jill.

Star of the show was young Sam, who has practised nearly every day to become good enough.

"I did it for my dad," said Sam. "I know he would have been proud of me."

Jill said: "Sam was already really musical and plays the keyboard, drums and electric guitar but all he has wanted to do since his dad gave him his saxophone is learn to play it like him."

John worked until his illness as sales director and accounts manager for gaming machine company Crown Leisure.

The illness finally defeated him in June, aged 55. Sam helped nurse him through his final months.

"He was there when his dad died and helped look after him. He has been through a lot but has coped very well. He's a smashing little boy," said his mum.

Sam, a pupil at Burlish Park Middle School, said he wanted to one day become a professional musician, citing well-known Wyre Forest rhythm and blues showman Mike Sanchez as his idol.

"He'd love so much to be good enough one day to play in his band," added Jill.

She said her son now had regular lessons on keyboard and tenor sax and also played with the Stourport Scout and Guide Band. He also loved horse-riding - but music was his first love.

"I think he has a real musical gift and he's obviously got that from John. Music is in his blood.

"Since John died all he has thought about is doing his dad proud and being able to play on stage. It has been his goal and now he has achieved it.

"Seeing him on stage was really emotional for me and for everyone there. He was great - he looked very cool and now thinks he's a real star, which he is."

Now she is keen to track down a group of musicians who used to be in a band with John over 20 years ago, so they can tell Sam about their dad's sax-playing.

"John played tenor sax in several bands in the 1960s and 70s. One of them I think was called Floppy Hat and was based in the Telford area. It would be great for Sam to find out more about his musical past."

Anyone who can help should contact Jane Abbott at the Shuttle/Times and News on 01562 633330.