FIFTY years after he first played the organ at Okehampton Parish Church, Ian Cann is still getting a huge thrill from his golden partnership with the 'king of instruments.'
'I'm on Cloud Nine every time I switch it on,' said the man who has hardly missed a Sunday service, wedding or funeral in half a century.
His enthusiasm for the organ began as a 21-year-old music student but it was not until he finally got to play the All Saints church organ in 1950 that he became well and truly hooked.
A former conservation government officer for West Devon Borough Council Mr Cann, 73, took up the post of organist and choir master on February 11, 1951 — a hobby which he has no intention of giving up.
'It's a way of life really and as long as I have my health and strength I will carry on because I have never lost any of my enthusiasm.
'I still get a buzz from playing and the organ at All Saints Parish Church is one of the finest instruments in Devon.'
The realisation of his dream was the comprehensive re-build and modernisation of the organ in 1972 which is now said to be an inspiration to all who play it.
Unlike his predecessor Mr Cann is not reluctant to let others use the instrument and positively encourages others to have a go.
'I am a keyboard man but nothing comes close to the sound of an organ — it really is the king of instruments and the one at the parish church has 2,000 pipes ranging from the size of a pencil to a large telegraph pole.'
Mr Cann said he was forcibly reminded of his length of time as organist when he played at the funeral service of someone whose wedding he also had the privilege of playing for 30 or 40 years earlier.
'I suppose the wonderful thing about remaining in a place for so long has been the acute sense of continuity as part of a long tradition,' he said.
'Churches are all about people and community and I feel very privileged to have been a part of that.'