A VILLAGE music teacher finished on a high note when he retired yesterday.

Martyn Coates, 55, has left Hurworth Primary School, near Darlington, after 18 years, to concentrate on his hobbies, including fly fishing and do-it-yourself.

Pupils and parents attended a farewell concert for him on Tuesday.

Headteacher Mark Allison said Mr Coates, who lives in the nearby village of Croft, was a favourite among pupils and a "musical inspiration" for hundreds of young people.

"His legacy will be the love of and playing of music within our community for years to come," said Mr Allison.

"We will greatly miss him as a colleague."

Mr Coates, a father of three, began his teaching career 34 years ago at Coxhoe Secondary School, near Durham City.

He said: "I will miss the children, but it takes a lot of energy out of you, especially being a music teacher.

"I can now concentrate on hobbies, which I have never really had time to enjoy.