Just a few years ago, Lostock Hall Memorial Band was struggling to survive when membership dwindled to around a dozen senior players.

After an appeal in the Evening Post for more musicians, the band has bounced back and are now the proud holders of a national title.

The talented bunch, who are aged between 11 and 69, won the National Brass Band Championships Section Four after beating off competition from 20 finalists.

And no-one could be more delighted than coronet player Ron Heyes, 69, who has been with the band since they started 60 years ago.

Former conductor Ron, of Fir Trees Court in Lostock Hall, said: "It was the biggest win we have ever had. The biggest change over the years is the quality of the competition – it has just gone through the roof."

As well as winning a trophy and £1,000 prize money at the Harrogate Conference Centre contest, the band has now been promoted to section three of the championships.

One of the youngest band members, percussionist Orla Green, 11, of Leyland, said: "It felt brilliant to win. It hadn't sunk in until a couple of days after – we couldn't believe it.I like going to concerts and playing for people and want to do something with music when I'm older."

Musical director John Wood said the band members' hard work had paid off, with twice weekly practices at their hall in Watkin Lane and a thriving junior band training players of the future.

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