British Legion supported by the top brass

GILBERT Symes (second right) with his sons Ian, Matthew and Steven

A brass band concert on Saturday will have two distinct fundraising targets in its sights.

The concert, at Uppermill Civic Hall, will help raise money for the Saddleworth British Legion, as well as the Yorkshire Day celebrations.

Joint organiser Gilbert Symes suggested the event should support the Legion as his three sons serve in the Army.

Eldest son Ian (41) is a corporal and plays in the Light Cavalier Band, while his brother, Steven (40), is a sergeant currently serving in Iraq.

Youngest brother Matthew (32) is a lance corporal, who has served in Iraq but is currently based in Germany.

Mr Symes said: “We’ve held the event for the past eight years and raised money for different things.

“But this year we’re helping the British Legion for the first time because my three sons are in the Army.

“I will be acting as compere, with Derek Broadbent conducting, and there will be five top class soloists performing.”

On stage will be Saddleworth’s Laura Hirst on solo cornet, Helen Williams on the flugel horn and Stephen Sykes on trombone.

Stephen’s father, Steve Sykes, formally of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and now a much sought after adjudicator, will be on E flat bass, and Glyn Williams will play the euphonium.

Tickets are £10 (£9 concessions).