A music teacher who lived in Abbots Langley for nearly 40 years will be "sadly missed".

Alan Vening died aged 81 after battling a brain tumour for a number of years.

The father or two and grandfather of four has been described as a "likeable, gentle" person who was "absolutely enthusiastic about music".

Mr Vening moved to Abbots Road in 1973 when he took on the role of Director of Music at Aldenham School in Hertsmere.

During the 21 years he taught at the school, Mr Vening's son, Nigel, said he "enthusiastically" promoted music with concerts, organ concertos and as an examiner for Associated Board - which held graded exams for various instruments.

As a Cambridge organ scholar, Nigel said his father was "delighted" to become the organist and choir master at St Lawrence Church in 1992.

Although he retired from teaching in 1994, Mr Vening continued playing the organ at the Abbots Langley church and being an examiner until 2004, when he was diagnosed with brain tumour.

The illness forced Mr Vening to reduce his contribution to the church and in 2010 he moved to Brighton.

Nigel, 52, added: "Music was his life.

"We had a very musical household. My dad had a grand piano in our house and the the Abbots Langley Gilbert and Sullivan choir would come and rehearse and perform with him.

"After moving to Brighton he always spoke fondly of Abbots Langley, including the choir and the community. He will be sadly missed."

Mr Vening passed away on October 30.

A service will be held at St Lawrence Church on Monday, November 23 and a celebration of Mr Vening's life will be held afterwards at the Manor House in Abbots Langley.