A PANTOMIME dame whose career spanned more than 25 years has died at his Ryedale home.

Fred Bower, 68, of Malton Road, Hovingham, passed away in his sleep on New Year's Eve, just a few weeks after his wife Anne, who died on December 7. Mr Bower had a pacemaker fitted in 1998 after suffering from a heart problem.

The grandfather-of-three was a former butcher in Malton but will be best remembered for his role as a dame in countless pantomimes put on by the Malton and Norton Operatic Society.

Performer and society spokesman Tom Todd said: "He's irreplaceable. He was the most wonderful man, kind and honest. I've only known him for 15 years but his relationship with the operatic society goes back into the 1970s.

"I'm going to miss him. Fred was probably the best known personality that the operatic society has ever put out. Everyone will mourn him with one voice. He was such a big, big character."

Mr Bower's theatrical career started in 1974 when his wife persuaded him that instead of working front of house he should be on stage. He formed a hilarious comedy duo with teacher and fellow dame Chris Robinson, of Kingston Drive, Norton. Mr Bower hung up his pantomime boots a few years ago.

"There was only one Fred Bower," said Mr Robinson, who worked with him for more than ten years. "He was the best dame I've ever seen. He'd always look after you and help you if you went wrong on stage. He was just brilliant. Everyone loved him. I was the straight one, he always got the laughs."

Before she died, Mrs Bower was one of only two people who were still active members of the society who had performed in the very first production it put on in 1950.

Mrs Bower was a dancer who later made costumes and helped her husband get into his gowns.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, January 07, 2004