Tributes have been paid to classical musician Vilem Tausky CBE, who contributed to a popular music festival.

Mr Tausky, who was blind and deaf, died last week aged 96, in a London nursing home.

He and his wife Margaret had lived in Rose Cottage in Chinnor Road, Towersey, for most of their married life.

The Czech-born conductor and composer studied with 20th century greats like Leos Janacek, and was heavily involved in the cultural life of Thame and district.

Mrs Tausky used to teach Towersey children dancing.

Mr Tausky performed the official opening of Thame sports and arts centre, now Thame Leisure Centre, in 1982.

When Towersey started off its folk music festival, which attracts around 10,000 people over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Mr Tausky helped in any way he could.

Denis Manners, who started off the Towersey Festival, praised Mr Tausky for his involvement, such as inviting musicians from London to perform.

Mr Manners said one memorable visit was by Owen Brannigan, who performed Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde with the village children.

He said: "Vilem was a charming, gifted man and a fine musician. When we first started the festival 40 years ago he was conducting at the Edinburgh Festival.

"He sent us a telegram saying 'Congratulations from one village festival to another'. He's remembered with affection."