A PENSIONER with musical flair has embarked on his fourth career after recovering from major surgery.

Months after a liver operation, Michael Lister, 70, has cut a debut CD of his compositions - and is already recording another one.

The first album, Magic of A Kiss, features an easy listening keyboard mix of Latin American, Country Western and slow rock.

His wife Dorothy said: "We are so proud of him. It was very traumatic when he went in for his surgery.

"We all said our goodbyes before the operation. We are just so pleased he came through. The family is delighted with his album." Mr Lister said: "I am so pleased. This a real achievement for me. It has given me a new lease of life. This will be my fourth career, and I am looking forward to it."

Mr Lister, 70, of Tanfield Lea, near Stanley, was a welder at the Consett Iron Works for 25 years.

He then owned and ran a tropical fish shop, Home Aquaria, in Stanley for 15 years, before starting a light fabrication business, Listfab.

But he fell ill through complications from a previous operation and had to go to hospital in February. Just before he was admitted a chance encounter brought his music to the attention of local recording artist John Barry.

Mr Lister said: "It was touch and go with the operation. I was in intensive care for seven days. When I heard John Barry on the radio singing a song I had written for my wife, it gave me a new zest for life and I was out of intensive care the next day and out of hospital a month later."

Magic of a Kiss, recorded by Image Digital Recording of Leadgate, will be sold at markets or telephone Mr Lister on (01207) 233416.