Elfreda Griggs has been tinkling the ivories on her piano for as long as she can remember.

By the age of eight the musical pensioner was such an accomplished player and was so good that she began giving lessons to the local baker.

And now at the age of 90 she could lay claim to being one of Britain's oldest music teachers - for 82 years later she is still using her skill to teach piano-loving pals.

Miss Griggs, of Chalks Road, Witham, first taught the baker at her parent's Church Street shop after he said he wished he could play like her.

Word soon got around of her skill and she forged a career in tuition whether it was piano, singing or elocution lessons. As a young girl Miss Griggs studied at the Guildhall School of Music.

She said: "I have been involved in music all my life in one way or another. I have been playing the piano ever since I can remember. I am not as good as I used to be but I still love it."

Last week friends helped Miss Griggs celebrate her 90th birthday.

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