AN organist has clocked up 50 years service of playing music to the congregation of an Earby church.

Since 1967, Rodney Greenwood, 67, of Earby, has served as organist at All Saints Parish Church.

"On Sunday, March 19, a presentation was made to church organist, Rodney Greenwood, for his wonderful and faithful 50 years of service to All Saints and the community," said church warden Vera Cocker.

Rodney was only 17 years old when he agreed to help out with some temporary cover for the organist Miss Cowgill, who had taken ill.

"It was a steep learning learning to play the organ in church," said Rodney. "I had to learn how to accompany the choir singing in psalms and the canticles prevalent at the time."

But Rodney said hard work and practice helped him learn the instrument.

"I'm very fortunate to have the skills to play the organ and do my bit for worship at the church through music," he said. "Accompanying the choir and the congregation has been very rewarding."

"Fifty years of service is certainly a wonderful achievement," added Vera. "Rodney had been on holiday visiting his son in New Zealand for the three weeks prior to the Sunday and it was his first day back in church.

"Whilst he was away, the congregation had been donating money for his thank you gift and a specially made card passed around the church and community was filled of wonderful messages and thanks."

At the start of the service after the normal notices had been read out by the Rev Hugh Fielden, Rodney was asked to join him in the chancel for a very special "notice".

Rodney was joined by his wife and daughter, who had been in on the secret.

Vera said: "Hugh spoke of his faithful service for so many years and the card with all the signatures was handed to Rodney."

As church warden, Vera then presented Rodney with his thank you gift, a season ticket for Burnley Football Club, an adorable knitted 'church mouse' decked out in claret and blue, plus a celebration cake with the number 50 on it.

A bouquet was presented to Rodney's wife, Martha.

"I was delighted," said Rodney. "It was a big surprise and I was very touched by the gesture. I hadn't really realised that I had done 50 years."