HE WAS a man who brought more than music to Beverley.
Tributes have been paid to Alan Binnington, one of the town's most popular musicians, who has died aged 69 after suffering from cancer.
A former music teacher in Hull and at Beverley Grammar School, Mr Binnington, was the director of music and organist at St Mary's Church for almost 20 years.
He also formed the Beverley Chamber Choir in 1998, retiring as its musical director in 2009.
Reverend Becky Lumley, vicar at St Mary's, said: "Alan has left a legacy of fine music at St Mary's Church but he has also left the community richer for his compassion and loyalty to others.
"St Mary's will continue to honour him by taking forward his work in beautiful traditional church music and also by continuing to develop our contemporary worship."
As musical director of the Chamber Choir Mr Binnington developed a group which not only performed to local audiences but across the county and beyond and was also featured in broadcasts on the BBC.
Rev Lumley said: "He taught many boys and girls to sing and created something quite unique, a choir based around family.
"Babes in arms were carried by choristers in full robes and this indicates something of Alan's great passion, apart from music, people."
Family was very important to the father of three, who nursed his late wife Brenda through a long illness before her death six months ago.
Rev Lumley said: "He was a man who put others first, who radiated warmth and good humour, his dignity and faith at the end were remarkable.
Mr Binnington, who died peacefully at Castle Hill Hospital, is survived by three grown-up sons, Lee, Stuart and Alexander, his grandchildren and great grandchild.
There will be a celebration of Mr Binnington's life at St Mary's Church at 11am on Saturday, followed by light refreshments in the church.
Donations for the Castle Hill Hospital Cancer Trust Fund can be left at the church.
