A MUSIC and sports lover from Hereford has died, aged 77.

Alan Taylor was also a great educator having been headteacher at Sutton St Nicholas School for 23 years and previously headed up the music section at Trinity School before becoming the school’s deputy head.

His wife of 42 years, Kay, says he died peacefully at Hereford County Hospital.

Mr Taylor was born in Dudley, but having relocated to Hereford he and his wife lived in Venns Lane, off Aylestone Hill, for 26 years before moving to the Gorsty Lane area of Hampton Dene.

“He was a great showman and was great to everyone,” said his wife. “I’ll remember him as an educator, a musician and a sportsman.”

Mr Taylor used to conduct Hereford Police Choir, touring countries such as Holland and Ireland.

He also directed a mass public choir at Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Later he became heavily involved in Hereford Choral Society, becoming treasurer, secretary and chairman. He also sang with Leominster Choral Society.

Away from music, Mr Taylor was a big cricket fan and one of the original members of city side Wyesiders. After he finished playing he became an umpire and then, after having a knee replacement, a scorer.

Mr Taylor is survived by his wife Kay and his daughter Jill Cooke.