Band turns brass into silver

Best of brass . . . Uppermill band member Ben Pollard celebrates a four-in-a-row win with Richard Blythe at their last contest of the year

NEVER mind good as gold, the best of brass is where it’s at for two Saddleworth champions who are celebrating staggering wins.

Uppermill Band smashed records at their last contest of 2010 — the Pontins Championship in Prestatyn, North Wales, taking home a trophy for the fourth year in a row.

The unprecedented feat saw solo baritone player Ben Pollard (23) collect the trophy, won by the band for the second time in the third section after already winning it twice in the fourth section.

The stunned brass champion said: “This win is really special for us all.

“We thought we were in with a good chance but we were absolutely overjoyed when we heard our name called out.

“Just winning once is special, to do it four times in a row is the icing on the cake.”

The band’s newest recruit, 11-year-old percussionist Richard Blythe, also picked up a trophy for being the contest’s youngest contender.

The stakes will be higher for the band next year with the step up to the second section to take on more challenging pieces at the area championships in Blackpool next February.