John Brine, 82, of Badby Road, was given the violin when aged 13 after his local newspaper covered him winning a music competition.

The judges’ commented that he would be an even better violinist if he had a quality instrument.

One widow reading the paper decided to give Mr Brine her husband’s violin, on the condition that it was never sold and when he was finished using it he passed it on to the next generation of musicians.

Now, after almost playing the instrument – which was made in France in 1894 – for more than 60 years, he has given it to 16-year-old Christine Andrews.

Mr Brine said: “I haven’t played for a while because I’m partly deaf, and if you can’t hear yourself you can’t tell if you’re playing in tune or not.

“It has a lovely mellow sound to it.

“I decided to give it away to a local musician and Jane Hargrave, from the music and performing arts service, helped me.

“I went along to a concert so I could see and hear them playing and I picked out Christine.

“I was sad to say goodbye to the violin, but it’s better that it is with someone who can play it and bring joy to others with it.

“And Christine has said she will follow the condition attached and give it away when the time comes rather than sell it.”