A PIANIST who dedicated his life to his love of music has died at the age of 86.

Brian Paynes, born in Hall Green, Birmingham, was educated at the University of Birmingham, where he met fellow music student Heather who he married in 1958.

He then taught at grammar schools in the West Riding area before moving to the East Riding in 1968 after being appointed senior lecturer in music at the College of Education in Hull.

Mr Paynes spent around 40 years in the teaching profession, a career which included positions in the music departments at Malet Lambert school, Hull, and South Hunsley school, Melton.

He is perhaps best known for his pursuits outside education; serving as assistant conductor of the Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, as musical director of the Hull Savoyards Amateur Operatic Society, as director of chamber choir The Elizabethans for 30 years(which he founded with his wife), and as chair of both the Hull Recital Club and the Kingston upon Hull Festival.

After retiring in 1989, he moved to Leasgill, near Milnthorpe, in South Lakeland, and once again put his talent for music to good use - serving as pianist and accompanist for Ulverston Choral Society, as well as writing programme notes and reviews for the Kendal Midday Concert Club and being involved with the Leisure Service Concert Society.

His love of music was shared by his wife who served as the director of Ulverston Choral Society for 15 years. The couple both stepped down from their involvement in the society in 2016.

Mr Paynes’ family said he will be greatly missed by his wife, three daughters, four grandsons and two great-grandsons.