A RESPECTED Huddersfield musician celebrated his 80th birthday with a special version of The Messiah.
Ken Rothery, of Linthwaite, marked his birthday by taking part in the annual performance of Handel's famous work at Parkwood Methodist Church.
And, fittingly, it was a concert which attracted a record number of singers, with more than 100 taking part.
Mr Rothery is renowned throughout the region as a musician and conductor and has long been associated with choirs at Parkwood and elsewhere in Huddersfield.
The choir for his birthday concert included singers from Huddersfield Choral Society, Holmfirth Choral Society and several other mixed, male voice, ladies and church choirs.
One of the tenors travelled from Leicester and a bass made the long journey from Somerset.
The soloists were Stephanie Helliwell, Jane Hobson, Richard Buxton and John Ramsdin.
Geoffrey Lockwood was the organist and a special service was led by the Rev Peter Bedford, minister at the Parkwood church.
Mr Rothery said: "We had a record attendance this year and a large congregation and it was partly, I suppose, because it was held in conjunction with my birthday.
"My wife Mary and I decided that the best way to thank all those who had supported this event in the past was to provide a buffet supper after the performance.
"Altogether it was an inspiring and enjoyable evening."
