THE man dubbed Mr Harrogate has stepped down after 25 years promoting tourism in the spa town.

But for Mike Hine, the memories of the town he loves will linger on.

One of the first retirement tasks for the 62-year-old bachelor is compiling a CD of Harrogate music.

Mr Hine said that over the years, there had been numerous songs and music linked to the town's worldwide reputation.

He is determined to find those old melodies, which he believes may be hidden away in attics or cupboards.

He has issued a plea for the town's music in sheet form, or old records, so he can start work on the project.

One of his most exciting roles was helping to host the Eurovision Song Contest at Harrogate's International Centre shortly after joining the town's resort services department in 1978.

"I remember the bid going in to the BBC and being told we were sixth on the list to stage it.

"At that time the conference centre was still a shell so we were taking a risk about whether it would be ready," he said. But we came out on top, the centre was finished, and on the night I got a tremendous kick from hearing Terry Wogan telling Europe about the delights of Harrogate. It was a tremendous boost for the whole area.

"I was just amazed at the huge preparation that went into a live television event like that, lasting for month after month. Afterwards, the Eurovision Fan Club liked us so much they held their conventions here for a number of years," he said.

In his tourism role, Mr Hine helped to promote the district by finding locations for documentaries, films and travel features. Greenhow, near Pateley Bridge, Blubberhouses Moor, Ripley Castle, Harrogate town centre and Brimham Rocks have all featured in films.