FAMILY, friends and many former pupils of music man Michael Oliver gathered on Friday for a thanksgiving service at St John's Church, Devizes.

Mr Oliver died aged 76 on December 19 after a life devoted to music and his second love of tennis.

The service opened with organ music played by Chris Totney and was followed by a welcome by Reverend Canon Paul Richardson who spoke movingly about the part Mr Oliver had played in bringing music to so many children.

Mr Oliver's cousin Graham Hancock paid tribute to his work and inspirational life and this was followed by silent reflection to the Ashokan Farewell composed by Jay Ungar.

Mr Oliver's nephew Andrew Hancock read the poem God's Garden and then there was a recorder ensemble introduced buy Peter Macklin.

A number of Mr Oliver's friends and colleagues then spoke of their memories of Mr Oliver who was director of Devizes Junior Eisteddfod for 25 years and set up and ran the Devizes Schools Music Summer School for 30 years.

For 15 years he was musical director of Devizes Light Operatic Society and taught the string orchestra at Wiltshire College in Devizes for 50 years.

He was a life member of Devizes Tennis Club where his unusual spin style confounded many an opposition member and a keen table tennis player.

One of those who had known Mr Oliver most of his life was Devizes Mayor Jane Burton who paid tribute to him saying: "Michael and I were at Devizes Grammar school at the same time and a life long friendship was formed .

"He was an inspiration to the young musicians in the area, with his fountain of knowledge and the ability to bring out the best in them."

The retiring collection will be divided between Wiltshire Rural Music School, Dorothy House and Mears.