A GRANDFATHER has received an award for more than 50 years of teaching.

On Saturday, Raymond Evans, 73, who lives with his wife, Majorie, in Crook, was given an award by the Worshipful Company of Music in London, after sharing 57 years of passion for brass bands and brass instruments with youngsters from across the county.

More than 300 children, including his own, have been taught by Mr Evans at the Esh Colliery Band, which he took over in 1955.

Mr Evans, who fell into brass band music as a child, said: "My parents were religious and we were part of the Salvation Army.

"I was given the tenor horn by my father at the age of seven and I just fell in love with it.

"I have kept that passion and have loved sharing it with my children and others."

The musician, who is an accomplished player of six horns, including the flugal, said he is responsible for a lot of noise as he has three generations of family playing brass instruments.

He said: "My daughter Marion plays, I started to teach my son, Michael at the age of four and now he is the principal cornet player. My eight-year-old grandson, Richard, has started to play.

"My two granddaughters, Nicola, 11, and Lindsey, 21, both play as well.

"It makes me very proud to see them sharing my passion and my love for brass bands."