Whalley cello teacher retires after 37 years at Stonyhurst College

Mr Laurence Wood has taught hundreds of young musicians at the Ribble Valley school over the years and has worked for four headmasters.

His wife Maureen also taught maths at Stonyhurst and his daughter Alex, who is head chorister of Blackburn Cathedral girls' choir, attended St Mary's Hall.

Mr Wood played with the Halle Orchestra for 34 years under the direction of some of the world's greatest conductors, including Daniel Baremboim, Bernard Haitink and Sir Mark Elder.

"It would be hard to imagine such a varied experience with any other orchestra," said Mr Wood. "I've performed with Claudio Arrau, Dame Janet Baker and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, as well as playing jazz with Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Lane, and have travelled all over the world, from Australia to the Hollywood Bowl."

Mr Wood, who trained at the Royal Northern College of Music, said: "My teaching philosophy is based on friendship. You have to encourage them to be interested in you as a musician, and find the style of music that will inspire them most. It's important to have fun too!"

Mr Wood finishes on a high note, with three of his long-standing protgs having reaching the Associated Board's Grade Eight – the highest level.

Headmaster Mr Andrew Johnson said: "We wish him well in his retirement and are grateful to him for his warmth, wisdom and musicianship which will have made a lasting impression on his many pupils here."