A SELBY Abbey verger is marking his retirement by organising a concert to raise funds for a charity which helps abused and neglected children.

Chris Walters, who has worked at the abbey for 18 years, joining after being made redundant from the power industry.

He said: “I only took the job as a stop-gap, never thinking I would be here all this time.”

He is hoping the concert in June will raise lots of cash for the abbey coffers as well as The Children’s Society.

Besides his job as verger, which involves helping the day-to-day running of the abbey, Mr Walters also winds up the abbey’s clock each day, a task which involves climbing 105 steps up the main tower.

During his time at the abbey he has been involved in arrangements for some major events including the installation of Lady Fitzallen Howard as High Steward, the funeral of Special Constable Glenn Goodman and the visit of Prince Charles.

Music for the concert will be provided by the abbey choristers directed by Dr Roger Tebbett, Canon Lee School band from York and the Tewkesbury Brass Ensemble.

The concert will be held on Saturday, June 26, at 7pm and tickets are available at £5, including a light buffet supper from the abbey shop.