ONE of Huddersfield’s top brass bands is to fold.

But Sellers International Band hope to go out in a blaze of glory with a huge charity concert next January.

The band – which was formed in 1986 – will be joined on stage at Huddersfield Town Hall by the Black Dyke Band, probably Britain’s most famous brass band.

And band sponsor David Armitage hopes it will be a concert which will raise a lot of money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He confirmed last night that the band will not continue after next January.

“Musical director Philip McCann and I have had discussions about the band’s future and we decided that the time was right to wind it up,” said Mr Armitage, chairman of Sellers Engineers.

“Everything has a shelf life and that, coupled with a number of offers that Philip has been given other than with the band, made it an opportune moment.

“He founded the band in 1976 and Sellers took over in 1987 so we have had 20 good years.

“Our decision is that once the band has fulfilled virtually all its obligations between now and January it will end.

“But it will end in spectacular style with the charity concert at the Town Hall on January 26, with Black Dyke as our guests.

“There has never been any question that money is the issue. We did take the decision not to enter the Spennymoor competition for financial reasons but finance is not the reason.

“It will be a sad day come January 26 but at the end of the day I believe it is the right decision.”

Sellers’ next appearance is at a charity concert in Yeadon on Friday and they will also be appearing at Lepton Parish Church on December 1.