A FORMER organist and choirmaster at Stretford Parish Church is retiring.

Ronald Frost is bowing out as director of music at the Manchester City Centre Church of St Ann, where he has been since 1978, giving more than 1100 organ recitals.

Born in Bury, he held a series of posts in Methodist churches in the Bury area until his appointment as organist of St. Aidan’s, Rochdale in 1953.

In 1958 he became organist and choirmaster of Stretford Parish Church (St. Matthew’s) and served there until 1969.

He was associated with the Hallé Concerts Society from 1956-1996 as accompanist to the Hallé Choir (1956-1972), chorus master (1972-1992) and principal organist (1976-1996).

He said: "It has been a great privilege to share my love of music with so many people for so lengthy a period and in such a wonderful building."