IT WAS said his escapades were the stuff of local legend. Last night, friends and fans of Liverpool trumpet player Tommy Smith paid tribute to the larger- than-life talent on the Mersey scene.

Smith, who played with the greats during an illustrious musical career, died at his Florida home, aged 81.

Legend has it that none other than Louis Armstrong described Smith as “every bit as good” a trumpet player as Satchmo himself.

Known as the Golden Cherub for his blond hair and cuddly frame, or Tommy the C, he gave the fledgling Beatles a leg up at The Cavern and played with Armstrong, Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Johnny Ray, Matt Monro and many more.

A former member of the Saturated Seven and session player with the Blue Magnolias and the Merseysippi Jazz Band, he worked as musical director for shows by acts including Barbara Windsor, Joe Loss and Jimmy Tarbuck.

Don Lydiatt, clarinet player with the Merseysippi Jazz Band, paid tribute to Smith, whom he regarded as “the best trumpet player in Liverpool at the time”.