A FORMER Selby schoolteacher, historian and lifelong member of the local Methodist church, died in hospital last week at the age of 76.

Richard Moody, was born in Brayton, where he attended the local junior school and later won a scholarship to attend Drax Grammar School, going on to teacher training in maths and music and eventually taking on teaching appointments in Knottingley and Selby.

He was a teacher for 25 years at Selby County Primary School, Flaxley Road, before taking early retirement in 1994.

Mr Moody had a long connection with the Methodist Church and started attending with his family as a child, the former primitive methodist church - now Selby Town Hall - in Gowthorpe.

He also attended village methodist churches when he lived in Brayton, and Riccall, and as a keen musician - able to play the piano, organ, harmonica and accordion - he regularly played the organ at both the chapel and St Mary's Church, Riccall, on Sunday mornings, as the services were at different times.

Mr Moody was a Selby circuit steward in the 1970s and wrote a number of books on the history of chapels in the area to coincide with their anniversaries.

Using his local knowledge and enthusiasm for history, Mr Moody gave talks and slide shows to local community groups, and was the first person to be elected by Ye Fraternitie of Olde Selebians to honour his work in the community.

His daughter Helen said: "Our family has been shocked by his sudden death, as he had not been ill and was still so active and involved in the community. He was always cheerful, willing to help anyone, and nothing was too much trouble. He was a much loved husband, father and grandpa, and loved spending time with his six grandchildren who got to know his unique sense of humour."

Tony Service, a member of Brayton Methodist Chapel's congregation, also paid tribute to Mr Moody, who was taken to hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

He said: "I have known Richard for almost 50 years, and cannot really imagine life in the circuit without him. He was foremost a family man with great love for all his family. As a friend, a fellow primitive methodist, I shall certainly miss Richard, and I know those sentiments will be echoed by many people in the area and beyond. Our thoughts are with Olive and his family at this sad time."

Richard leaves his wife Olive, son Paul, Daughter Helen, and six grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at Portholme Church on Tuesday, October 24, at 2pm, followed by interment at Brayton Cemetery.