IAN Cann, organist and choirmaster at All Saints Church for 60 years, will play his last service before his retirement at the Harvest Festival on Sunday September 25.

Ian began playing at All Saints in 1951 under the Rev Compton, and has served six incumbents during his 60-year playing career.

The Rev Stephen Cook, Rector of Okehampton, said: 'Ian has been a faithful servant of the church for many years. He is passionate about church music and is always seeking to get the very best out of the choir and the organ.

'He is amazingly fit for his age, but, understandably, feels that the time has come to step back. I am sure he will be continuing to play a supporting role for a long time yet.'

To mark the occasion the church are organising a retirement collection for Ian, which he has requested be donated to BBC Radio Devon's Air Ambulance Appeal.

Anyone who would like to contribute to this worthy cause, please give donations by September 25 to churchwardens Gilly Bromilow or Eileen Young, either at All Saints Church on the Sunday, or by post to Gilly at Moorview, Exbourne, Okehampton, EX20 3SA.