A HEREFORD man who decided to give up the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle to become a mental health nurse has retired.

David Craig, aged 58, was a roadie with Karakorum, a threepiece progressive rock band that included Martin Chambers, who later became the drummer in The Pretenders.

“Hereford supplied a lot of musicians around the early 1970s and I went all over the place with them,” said Mr Craig.

“I still keep in contact with Martin and am hoping that he can come to my retirement party.

“There will be a lot of local musicians there, like Paul Cheshire and Mick Taylor, and will be a bit of a reunion at the same time.”

Mr Craig started out at St Mary’s Hospital in Burghill in 1977 before moving to Hereford County Hospital’s Stonebow Unit. He progressed through the ranks to become a manager on Jenny Lind ward.

“After being a nurse for 34 years I think it was the time to retire,” he said.

“Travelling is a big thing for me, so I think I will do more of that.

“I still feel young in myself and plan to carry on enjoying life.”