SOUTH Lakeland musician Brian Paynes has died aged 86.

Born in Hall Green, Birmingham, Mr Paynes was educated at the University of Birmingham, where he met wife Heather.

He then taught at grammar schools in the West Riding before moving to the East Riding in 1968 after being appointed senior lecturer in music at the College of Education, Hull.

He spent around 40 years in the teaching profession, a period which included positions in the music departments at Malet Lambert school, Hull, and South Hunsley school, Melton.

He is perhaps best known for his pursuits outside education; serving as assistant conductor of the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, as musical director of the Hull Savoyards Amateur Operatic Society, as director of chamber choir The Elizabethans (which he founded with his wife), and as chair of both the Hull Recital Club and the Kingston upon Hull Festival.

After retiring in 1989, he moved to Leasgill, near Milnthorpe, in South Lakeland, and once again put his talent for music to good use - serving as pianist for Ulverston Choral Society, as well as writing programme notes and reviews for the Kendal Midday Concert Club and being involved with the Leisure Service Concert Society.

For anyone who wishes to pay their respects, a service of thanksgiving will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Heversham on Saturday April 13, beginning at 2.30.

Mr Paynes will be greatly missed by his wife, three daughters, four grandsons and two great-grandsons.