A MUSIC conductor has retired after 30 years at the helm of one of the county's favourite bands.

Mr David Lewis said he has enjoyed many happy memories during his time as bandmaster of Northallerton and District Silver Band.

"The time has come for someone a bit younger with fresh ideas to breath fresh air into the band's future," he said.

Mr Lewis's love affair with music began at the tender age of five when he was a horn player in the Salvation Army Corps band Northallerton and Whitby during the Second World War.

He went on to play trombone in the Brompton Village Band and Bass with the Lewis Brass players before joining the Darlington Salvation Army Citadel band.

He later joined the armed forces where he was a bass player in the 2nd Battalion Green Howards and went on to become solo euphonium in Northallerton Silver Band under the baton of the late Pop Lewis.

Mr Lewis took over as conductor of the band after Pop - his father - retired.

His involvment with the band will continue, however, as he takes over the beginners and junior section.

His achievements with the band include being the first winner of the Teesdale brass band contest and the Parkin Raine trophy, winning a cup at the ninth annual contest at Hardraw Scar and three trophies in the 35th Yorkshire and Humberside brass band contest in Scunthorpe.

Between 1962 and 1993 the band was awarded ten cups and 15 certificates of merit.

It is now looking for a new bandmaster. Interested parties can contact Mr Andrew Clarke on 01609 776501.