A BRASS band is celebrating after receiving lottery funding to launch a training ensemble aimed at people looking to get involved with music.

The Downton Band, which recently celebrated 140 years of music making, will establish their new band called Bash & Blow in September and is aimed at people of all ages.

The £6,500 from the People's Postcode Lottery Trust will allow the group to buy a number of new instruments which can be loaned to young people who might otherwise be unable to join a brass band.

At first they will meet to learn pieces and be tutored by senior members of the group but the hope is they can eventually take part in events organised by the band.

Downton’s musical director Paul Williams said: “The money will go towards purchasing new instruments so that anyone interested in learning will be able to use a brand new shiny instrument come September.

“The training band is open to anyone who wishes to come along and learn how to play an instrument. For just £1 a week you’ll get expert tuition, a weekly rehearsal, plenty of performance opportunities and the loan of an instrument to take home to practice.

"We want to make access to music making open to everyone so there will also be a bursary available for those who genuinely can not afford the subscriptions.”

The senior band is also looking for more members, in particular they are searching for more cornet and tuba players.

Mr Williams added: “The band has a busy and varied schedule of performances, good quality instruments ready and waiting and its own bandroom in the heart of our village. We’d be delighted to welcome anyone who perhaps wants to return to banding and who wants to pick up a cornet or even a tuba again.”

The band meets once a week on Wednesday's. For more information on either the training or senior band contact Paul Williams on paul@downtonband.org.uk