DEVIZES Mayor Jane Burton has led tributes to music teacher Michael Oliver who inspired many youngsters to play an instrument.

Mr Oliver died in hospital on December 20 aged 76.

Mrs Burton said: "I was very saddened by the news of the loss of Michael Oliver. 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.

A calm understanding an unassuming man who will be missed by so many."

Jason Hoult of Devizes Town Band also had many memories of Mr Oliver. He said: "One of the things that made Michael so loved was his seemingly unique gift to never forget a face.

In my own experience, I returned to Wiltshire for the first time in 22 years in 2012, having left to join the RAF in 1990; it was my first Mayoral Carol Concert with Devizes Town Band.

"As I was leaving the Corn Exchange afterwards a familiar voice called out behind me 'Jason Hoult, where have you been? It was Michael. He hadn't changed one bit in the 25 years since I had last done anything musically with him, but he instantly recognised the young musician he once knew, beneath my now older features, and it was like I'd never left home.

"I will never forget that; a simple word, that meant so much."

Mr Oliver of Avon Road, Devizes, was director of Devizes Junior Eisteddfod for 25 years. He also set up and ran the Devizes Primary Schools Music Summer School for 30 years and was musical director of Devizes Light Operatic Society for 15 years. In 2011 he retired from teaching the string orchestra at Wiltshire College in Devizes after 50 years.

Funeral details are yet to be announced.