Band’s a five-time regional winner

Oldham Band (Lees) with conductor John Collins (above, centre)

AN Oldham brass band has hit the top note yet again by scoring its fifth successvie regional title.

The Oldham Band (Lees), led by conductor John Collins, were placed first in the second section in the competition at Dukinfield Town hall.

The talented team wowed the judges with their version of test piece “New World Sketches” by Dan Price, scooping £550 prize money and a trophy.

It was the first time Oldham Band had played in the second section at the Tameside venue, having won the third section last year.

The band has won five regional titles in five successive years, topping the fourth section in 2005 and 2006, the third section in 2007 and 2008, and now the second section in 2009.

Band members, whose average age is 15, will now take a break before preparing for the Whit Friday march contest and the National Finals held in Harrogate in September.