National title for band

United Co-operative Milnrow Band is on cloud nine after winning the British Open senior trophy at the Spring Brass Band Festival in Blackpool.

Euphonium player Adam Snape won the best soloist award at the Winter Gardens.

Under musical director John Ward, the band played Gilbert Vinter’s difficult test piece “Spectrum”.

The band now competes in the senior cup competition next year.

Band president Ken Watts said: “All connected with the band are thrilled with this result after being so near at so many contests and give credit to all the players from soloists to those of the ensemble for their loyalty and hard work. This also goes for Mr Ward for all the effort he put in to reach this great moment for the band.”