MEMBERS of Ledbury Community Brass Band say exciting times lie ahead, following their busiest year to date.

And recent success in competition has given them a lift.

A spokesman said: "The band continues to progress and establish itself in the local area and, in the highly competitive world of brass banding.

"We've just had the busiest year to date, performing at local community events and concerts in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Highlights have been performing at the Pershore Mid Summer Festival of Brass and a sell out "Last night of the Proms" in the Ledbury Theatre.

The spokesman added "October saw the band make their first ever appearance on the contest stage at the Wychavon Festival of Brass in Evesham. All bands were required to perform a twenty minute entertainment programme featuring a solo item.

"The band, conducted by musical director Colin Herbert, performed a programme that was enjoyed and commended by the adjudicator, attaining a well deserved third place in the fourth section. It was a performance to be proud of and now puts the band on the brass band map."

Ledbury Brass Band chairman, Kevin Jeffery said: "The town can be proud of its local brass band. The adjudicator’s comments were extremely positive and warned all other bands to ‘watch out’ for Ledbury Community Brass Band. "We were keen to participate and proud to have achieved third place."

Colin Herbert added: “He said he was thrilled at the high level of consistency throughout the performance and said it was worth all the extra rehearsals and time the band put in. "The band is an ongoing exiting project for all involved. We are now receiving recognition within the brass band world. The band is also successfully attracting players from other local bands to join us as our reputation grows. It’s also about showing the young people that it’s exciting, a skill and a talent."

The band now move into the busy festive period of which all brass bands are in very high demand.

The highlight in December is the now annual Christmas Concert in the Ledbury Market Theatre on December 17 as well as performing carols locally.

For the first year, the band will be seen at Hereford races on Saturday December 16.

Mr Herbert added: "With all the positive things happening with the band it is hoped we will be able to get that long awaited Brass band uniform and continue to build a solid platform for the ongoing stability of this exiting brass band in Ledbury."