Recorders are not just for primary school children - they're for adults too, says a player trying to get a recorder ensemble together.

Most people only played a recorder when they were at primary school - but John Holland's passion for the instrument has lasted a lifetime.

He wants to get a group of players together to form a recorder ensemble so that they can play music.

He said: "I'm looking for a core of four or five players to practice informally on a regular basis, perhaps fortnightly, but I respect people's pressure on time these days."

John, 67, who lives in Stanwix, Carlisle, said enthusiasm and the ability to read music were more important than playing skill.

He himself plays all four sizes of the recorder: descant, treble, tenor and bass.

John said he has already had some interest from a recorder player in Brampton after advertising for the group in local village newspapers.

The ensemble will play mainly Renaissance music but this is not exclusive.

John said the recorders sound best in stone buildings, like churches or abbeys, with few soft furnishings.

"The music itself is inspirational," said John.

The recorder is not an orchestral instrument because acoustically it isn't strong enough to hold its own against brass, strings and other instruments.

John did lead a similar ensemble before for about 10 years and hopes there will be interest in forming a new one.

Although he wants a core group of about four or five, he said more people could join them on different occasions for bigger sessions.

The recorder ensemble will be called Cantus, meaning singing in a style.

Even if people haven't played since school, John said if they were interested in playing they were welcome to join.

"I'm looking for ideally people who have played recorder in the past - even if that's mainly years ago that doesn't really matter.

"It's like riding a bike, you never really forget that, it stays with you."

If you are interested in joining Cantus, contact John on 07745 838731.