Half a century of making music is just not enough for one popular music man, who has spent his life learning, writing and performing endless tunes for all to enjoy.

Seaton man – and minor music celebrity – Mike Milner began his journey into the world of music, particularly organs, in 1970.

At 15 years old he took up the hobby, and was soon asked by the Derwent Arms landlord to perform in his pub – an offer the budding pianist couldn’t refuse.

Mike was playing for a range of customers, from ages to musical tastes, and found himself learning songs left, right and centre to keep the crowds entertained and happy.

With his talents in demand, he was persuaded to move to his village's British Legion Club, of which is father was the steward.

A key incentive of the move was the shiny new Hammond Organ the club had just bought – and it was a match made in heaven.

Joining forces with drummer, Ian Stewart, and the club's singing compere, the team became known as the resident trio, playing for professional and semi-professional performers including Tammy Jones, Hilda Baker, Solomon King, Paul Squire, the Millionaires and Julian Jorg.

And despite the not-so-generous funds gained from the sets, Mike loved every second.

Night club Rendezvous, the Broughton Craggs Hotel and The Ranch were all lucky to see the organist light up customers' faces with his music, before he took up a longer residency at John Street Catholic Club.

But Mike just didn't feel busy enough, and put in hours at music shop Northern Sounds, on Jane Street, and then Oxford Street, for more than 20 years, selling and demonstrating organs and pianos, often performing concerts for local organ societies.

A new decade saw a new start for Mike, now 65, and the '90s kick-started his teaching career.

After receiving diplomas from the London College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, he was offered the chance to teach at Seaton Junior School – his children Nicola and Andrew's school.

From here, Mike leapt from school-to-school to teach his treasured talent to others, including Maryport Junior School, Harrington Junior School, Victoria Junior School and Crosby Primary School.

If that wasn't enough for him, Mike went on to form the West Cumbria Children’s Choir, writing and performing concerts, musicals and nativities at the Carnegie Theatre as well as churches, raising funds for charities and causes all the while.

In 2000, musical McDonalds Our Town – outlining the county's musical history – was performed at the Dome in London to a vast audience – of course, featuring Mike's wonderful music.

The former organist and choirmaster of St Paul's Church was presented with his Certificate in Teaching from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music by the Prince of Wales in 2005, joined by his partner Irene.

Mike's accomplishments don't end there, as he is responsible for; the Seaton Village Choir for more than eight years, organising Seaton's Got Talent and the annual Community Quiz and Big Quiz for Hospice at Home.

With thousands of pounds raised for charities across the county and country, Mike was given the Community Champion Award by Seaton Parish Council in 2015, and was even invited to the Queen's garden party at Buckingham Palace the following year.

And after his endless years of shows, awards and tickling the ivories, Mike is still devoted to developing youngsters' passion for music, and spends his time teaching music at primary and junior schools across Allerdale, including Seaton Junior School, Beckstone Primary School, Derwent Vale Primary School, and Victoria Junior and Infant Schools.