MUSIC fans were anything but brassed off when the Brighouse Lions staged their annual brass band and marching contest yesterday.

To get everyone into the spirit, the Lions held a free concert on Saturday at Central Methodist Church, Brighouse.

The Brighouse-based United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band played, conducted by John Roberts, and a collection was held for Lions' charities.

The Mayor of Calder- dale, Clr Olwen Jennings opened yesterday's contest in which there were 27 brass bands.

The bands started by marching in Bethel Street in Brighouse town centre before playing a hymn and marching in Thornton Square.

The winner was the Hepworth (Persimmon Homes) Band, conducted by Mark Bentham. The runners-up were Pennine Brass, also from Huddersfield), who were conducted by Ian Porthouse.

Other bands taking part included Emley Brass Band, Lindley Band, Elland Silver Band, Holme Silver Band, Meltham and Meltham Mills Bands and West Yorkshire Police Band.

The Silkeborg Blaeserne travelled from Denmark to play in the contest.

More than £1,000 was given away in prize money.

The event was organised for the Lions by David Horsfield.