FREDERICK Brooks, who worked as a projectionist at the Palace Cinema in Witney for 38 years, has died aged 86.

Mr Brooks, of Waddard’s Meadow, Witney, retired from his role at the Palace in 1982, after the cinema was taken over by a London firm.

Then aged 58, he was reluctant to retire, but did not want to work seven days a week.

Mr Brooks, right, known as Freddie by his family and friends, described the decision as “a wrench after all this time”.

Mr Brooks died on July 14, and his funeral was held yesterday at Cogges Church, followed by burial at Windrush Cemetery.