MEMBERS of Brighouse and Rastrick Band walked away as prizewinners in every contest they recently entered.

The national champions entered eight of the Saddleworth Whit Friday brass band contests – and won a prize in them all.

They got two first prizes, four seconds a third and a fourth placing.

Conducted by guest conductor Ian Porterhouse, the Band competed against 124 other bands from all over the UK and Europe at what is often called "the best free show in the world".

Kevin Crockford, B&R’s star soprano player secured the prize for the best soprano player of the night at Delph, while Stuart Lingard, principal cornet, took the cornet prize at Greenfield along with David Thornton, principal euphonium taking the euphonium prize at the same contest.

Paul Beaumont, president of B&R, said: "The Whit Friday March Contests are a spectacular and traditional event and attract a combined audience of tens of thousands of people.

"The band played consistently at every venue and was greeted by cheering crowds wherever they went

"We left the bandroom at 2.30pm on the Friday afternoon and arrived back at 1.30am the following morning somewhat exhausted but after having a great time."

As the reigning Champion Band of Great Britain for the second year running, B&R paraded the National Trophy at the contest with officials marching at the front of the band holding the trophy high and affording the many thousands of spectators a fine view.

On Saturday, June 30, at 7.30pm B&R will stage a concert at St Bartholomew’s Church, Marsden. For Tickets call 01484 845622.