A MUSIC tutor who has taught hundreds of school children has retired.

Andrew Joy, 59, has retired from Selby Music Centre where he has taught local youngsters to play musical instruments, including guitar, piano and wind instruments for 30 years.

Mr Joy was a primary school teacher for 36 years, working at the Barlby Bridge and Barlby Hilltop schools, where he was deputy head for 28 years before retiring in 2013.

During his time at the schools, he was involved with teaching music and was musical director of the Barlby Foot Tappers Band for 27 years, receiving great support from two former headteachers at Barlby Hilltop School - the late Graeme Lowe and Rob Taylor.

Mr Joy, who lives in Leeds Road, Selby, said: "The children up to year six were taught to play string and wind instruments as part of the wider opportunities scheme at the schools."

Under his direction, the Foot Tappers with musicians from eight years old to late teens were very popular attraction playing at venues in the Selby and York areas and also went on seven European tours.

Mr Joy said: "I don't think there was a church or village hall in the area where the band had not played, raising money for charities."

For ten years, the band raised money for Selby Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club (PHAB Club).

The Foot Tappers are still going strong, with 14 members now in their twenties and thirties, who were all original members, playing at venues around the town.

Mr Joy said: "I've enjoyed the music scene very much with the children, and still have members who have grown up with me playing in the band."