AFTER 30 years of playing the piano for the Barbara Taylor School of Dance, Ethel Richardson has now retired at the age of 88.

Ethel has provided live music for classes, rehearsals, shows and examinations at the ballet and tap group for the last three decades.

Her skills have been an asset to the Haxby dance school, and Barbara Taylor said that she and Ethel had become great friends.

She said: “Over the years, she must have played for thousands of pupils, surely. She’ll be sorely missed.”

Her retirement party at Strensall Village Hall was well-attended by staff and pupils who gathered to say goodbye.