RENOWNED musician Ronald Frost, who devoted his life to his love of music, has died at the age of 82.

He had retired from his role as director of music at St Ann's Church in Manchester earlier this year, bringing to an end an association which had spanned 36 years.

Mr Frost, who was a lifelong Bury FC supporter, died at his home in Holcombe Road, Greenmount, last Thursday. He leaves a wife, Barbara.

Born in Bury, he was educated at Bury Grammar School and the Royal Manchester College of Music and held a series of posts in local methodist churches. He was organist at St Aidan's Rochdale in 1953 and five years later became organist and choirmaster of Stretford Parish Church and served there until 1969.

Mr Frost was associated with the Halle Concerts Society from 1956 to 1996 as accompanist to the Halle Choir, chorus master and principal organist. He was appointed director of studies of the Royal Manchester (now Northern) College of Music in 1970, and served in this capacity until 1973 when he became principal lecturer in organ.

He retired from the RNCM in 2001. At various stages of his career he worked for TV and radio and recorded six organ CDs.

In 2005, Mr Frost received the award of FRSCM (Fellow of the Royal School of Church Music) at York Minster in recognition of his services to musical education, choral training and church music. Later, he was installed as Honorary Lay Canon of Manchester Cathedral in recognition of his musical contribution to the diocese and was made Canon Emeritus in 2012.

During his time at St Ann's Church, he gave more than 1,100 free organ recitals to city centre workers and the general public. He regularly conducted the choir on visits to various venues as well as appearances on Songs of Praise.

To mark his retirement from St Ann's Church in May, a special service of thanksgiving and celebratory concert took place when he and his wife were guests of honour.

He was described as "meticulous and unparalleled in his preparation of singers for concerts and services" with "immaculate" attention to detail.

Following news of his death last Thursday, the Halle Choir observed a few moments of silence at their rehearsal that night.

No funeral details have yet been announced.