Milnrow book Albert Hall appearance

Milnrow Band have qualified to play in the National Finals of the British Brass Band Championship later this year.

Under the direction of husband and wife team Russell and Mareika Gray, the band took third place at the North-West heat in Blackpool to win their place in the finals - the best result in living memory for the band.

Milnrow competed against 11 other top bands from the region. President Ken Watts said: “The feeling of being the third best band in the North West is unbelievable - one of which the band and supporters can be justly proud.

“After 153 years the band is in touching distance of the very top - proof that hard work and dedication can get you anywhere.”

The national finals are at the Royal Albert Hall on October 12.