Bradford's Odeon rang to the sound of Come Back to Sorrento one last time yesterday.

The song - signature tune of Drighlington-based organist Arnold Loxam since 1946 - came as part of a special final encore at the cinema, which finally closes its doors on Sunday after 70 years.

It was a nostalgic moment for cinema-goers attending a special morning show for pensioners.

And it was even more emotional for Dr Loxam, resident organist at the Odeon - then called the New Victoria - from 1946 to 1962.

The 84-year-old entertainer was invited to play a special recital to mark the end of the cinema.

"It was absolutely wonderful," said Dr Loxam, before dashing off to play last night in Morecambe.

"People had been queueing outside for an hour. It was one of the biggest audiences they've had for these shows. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we had a nice chat and a good sing-song."

He added: "I would have loved to have been able to play for the final performance on Sunday, but I shall be playing at Ossett that day.

"I'm just grateful I've been given this chance to give the place a musical send-off."

The organ Dr Loxam used was a far cry from the Wurlitzer on which he entertained audiences for his 16-year stint at the cinema. That is now housed at the North East Theatre Organ Society's headquarters at Howden le Wear, County Durham. Instead he performed a selection of favourites on an Orca electronic organ lent by Father Ralph Crowe, of St Chad's Church, Toller Lane.

Dr Loxam's association with the cinema goes back to long before he became resident organist.

As a 14-year-old he was in the audience for the opening night of the New Victoria on September 30, 1930 - a gala occasion that included a Wurlitzer recital by Leslie James, music from the London Symphony Orchestra, a special stage production of "Follies of 1890" and a screening of the farce Rookery Nook. It was at the New Victoria in 1948 that he met his wife, Audrey. She was a new usherette and didn't recognise him when he arrived for work. "She wouldn't let me in because I didn't have a ticket," he recalled.

"I told her she could keep me out if she liked, but she'd have to play the organ."

Mrs Loxam's association with the cinema wasn't forgotten yesterday. After the show she was presented with a bouquet by the management and Dr Loxam revealed that a Bradford Odeon cinema will enjoy the sound of his playing at least once more.

The Odeon have invited him to give a special performance when pensioners' shows begin at the new multiplex at Thornbury later this summer.