CINEMA organist Arnold Loxam has been entertaining audiences for 60 years.

So, who better to share his 90th birthday with than his cinema-going fans?

So yesterday Dr Loxam enjoyed a surprise celebration at the Rex Cinema in Coronation Street, Elland, where he plays the organ every Thursday and Saturday.

Since 1990, he has been travelling from his home in Drighlington to Elland to play two half-hour slots - one before the show and one during the interval.

Yesterday - two days after his birthday - he gave his performance, not knowing that the audience would soon surprise him with champagne and birthday cake.

Dr Loxam said playing the organ was not simply a hobby or profession but his way of life.

He said: "My parents were Methodists and used to take me to chapel.

"I used to see the organs playing and they fascinated me.

"So I learned how to play. I was greatly inspired by Reginald Dixon.

"It's taken me all over the world - although I don't go to America and Canada any more. It's just my life."

Dr Loxam, who was born at Wibsey, Bradford, started playing the piano when he as three.

He was taking formal piano lessons by the age of five and when he was nine he made his first radio broadcast.

He was being given a tour of the 2LS radio station in Leeds in 1925 when he asked to play the studio's grand piano.

They were so impressed that they asked him to play on air during a children's programme.

It was the first of many times that Dr Loxam's playing would be broadcast on air.

He became organist of his local church at 18 and by 1948, he was resident organist at the New Victoria Cinema in Bradford, now the Odeon.

It was there that he met his wife of 55 years, Audrey.

He said: "She was a sweet young usherette and didn't know I was the organist.

"She wouldn't let me in without my ticket - so I told her she would have to play the Wurlitzer!

"We've never been apart. I'm very lucky because she gave everything up to support me and she is as much a part of the organ world as I am."

In 1988, Dr Loxam was given an honorary doctorate from Bradford University for his work with music.

Then, in 1990, he gave the first- ever organ concert at the Rex.

The cinema had been restored to its traditional Edwardian glory two years earlier.

When Dr Loxam returned to play there a year later he attracted a full house - and has given a concert there every year since.

When the regular organist left Rex owner Charles Morris asked Dr Loxam if he would take over the role.

Mr Morris said: "We are one of very few cinemas still to have an organ and a resident organist.

"The organ playing is an undoubted attraction.

"Arnold is a true professional and a first-class showman.

"He is an inspiration to me.

"If I ever feel weary, I think of Arnold up there at the console at 90 years old and I buck my ideas up!"