A FORMER bandmaster now receiving end-of-life care has returned to the pitch where he once led half-time performances.

Bill Magookin, co-founder of the Bournemouth Carnival Band and long-standing AFC Bournemouth fan, was surprised with a tour of Vitality Stadium.

Bill performed at the stadium, then known as Dean Court, during the 1980s.

Members of the popular Bournemouth Carnival Band often dress as superheroes Batman and Spiderman and perform at fetes, carnivals and civic parades.

Ex-serviceman Bill, who played the bugle and was often seen out front as the Green Goblin or Penguin, was one of four people to found the band in 1983.

Musicians were initially recruited from the Pokesdown and Southbourne Ex-Servicemen's Club as Ireland-born Bill served as an army drill sergeant in the 16th/5th The Queen's Royal Lancers cavalry regiment.

Bill, who now lives at Colten Care’s Fernhill care home in Longham, was joined on the stadium tour by Susan, his wife of 58 years, son Martin and grandchildren, as well as a number of former bandmates.

During his surprise trip around the venue, Bill was afforded a bugle salute in his honour.

He said: "It’s absolutely wonderful to come back.

"I remember playing here two or three times at half time with the band, though on one occasion we weren’t allowed to go on because they were concerned about the state of the turf.

"Now, this is a more beautiful stadium. It’s been improved a lot.

"The club do a great deal for disabled fans and make a lot of people very happy - depending on their results."

Band secretary Alan Hooker said: "We wanted to come along and support Bill.

"Without him we wouldn’t have had a band. It’s always been about fun and raising money for local charities.”

Bill's family worked with staff at Fernhill to arrange the trip.

Kate Morris, who works at the home and joined Bill on the tour, said: "It was a lovely experience to see him revisit the stadium with his family and former bandmates.

"A huge thank you to everyone at AFC Bournemouth for helping us grant Bill’s family’s wish and enabling him to come.”