AN organist has retired after 32 years of providing music at a south Durham church – although she will still be available for funerals and weddings.

Edna Candler first played the organ at St Catherine’s Church in Crook when she was 18 but became the full time organist in 1980.

During that time she has also played at 23 other churches in the area of all denominations and for 31 years played at St Stephen’s Church in Willington.

Now the 80-year-old has retired from playing the weekly Sunday service, although she will still play for services during the week, including funerals and weddings, as the new organist will be unavailable due to work.

Mrs Candler said: “I have enjoyed my time immensely but I think it is time to stop now and let someone else have a turn.”

Vince Fenton, who is the sixth vicar at St Catherine’s to have had Ms Candler as his organist, said: “I am very sorry to see Edna go but she will be a much-loved member of our congregation.

“Organists are rarer than hen’s teeth and in Edna we have had a true stalwart of the church.

“She has never taken a holiday, the only time she did not come in was when she broke her hip.”

The church was built in 1843 with the organ installed in 1891.

It was restored in 1972 and Ms Candler, who was baptised in St Catherine’s, said it has an exceptional sound.

The last hymn she played on the organ was I’ll Go In The Strength Of the Lord.