A CONDUCTOR, who has led one of the town’s best loved bands for more than 20 years, has retired.

Adrian Baxter was due to lead his last concert with Huddersfield Wind Band, at Salendine Nook Baptist Church, last month.

But Mr Baxter, 70, was unable to perform because of ill health.

Instead, the concert – played in Mr Baxter’s honour – was conducted by former Lindley Brass Band conductor and former Brighouse and Rastrick Band player Neil Jowett.

Huddersfield Wind Band (HWB) is currently looking for a new conductor and musical director.

Mr Baxter, a grandfather from Scapegoat Hill, had been ill for much of 2012 and conducted his last show with HWB, at Wetherby Riverside Bandstand, in August.

Adrian, who had previously conducted the Huddersfield Youth Wind Band, formed HWB in 1988.

Many of the youth bands’ musicians continued into HWB, some of whom still play in the band.