AN ORGANIST has been given the chance to make a life-long ambition come true as a thank you for fifty years of service.

This festive season, John Savage celebrated quarter of a century of playing for the Weymouth Methodist Churches having first played for the church on Christmas Day 1966.

To honour is achievement, Minister Reverend Jean Quick presented John with a certificate as well as the opportunity to fulfil his boyhood dream- to drive a steam train.

Circuit administrator for the Methodist churches Jacqui Trent said: "The church gave John an opportunity to do something he has wanted to do since he was a little boy, drive a steam train.

"So on January 9 John will join a days course at the Swanage Railway and learn how to drive a train."

John first played for Weymouth Bay Methodist Church after school friend John Walker persuaded him whilst he was home from his studies at the Dental School at Kong’s College, London.

The two friends had previously played the piano together during assemblies at Weymouth Grammar School.

Jacqui added: "John plays a very active part in the life of the church and it was a real pleasure for us all to be able to say thank you in this special way."