School band dress to impress

Conductor Gwen Smith, Bass players Ethan and Jack, Chief Inspector Andrew Aston

Wardle Academy Junior Band has thanked GMP for loaning four police uniforms to the youngsters to wear at a charity competition performance this month.

The band competed in the Youth Brass Band Entertainment Championship of Great Britain, which took place in Blackpool on Sunday 9 February 2014. Now in its 30th year, the Championship welcomes school bands from across the country and raises money for children's charity Action Medical Research.

The band played a number of pieces, themed around a family trip to London, one of which was called "The Policeman's Song". To help them look the part, Julie Blezzard from the Force Uniform Stores located jackets that were the perfect fit. GMP Chief Inspector Andrew Aston from the Rochdale Division presented the band with their uniforms and listened to their dress rehearsal on Saturday 8 February.

Chief Inspector Aston said: "We were happy to help the school by providing the tunics and hats for their competition. I had the chance to see them in action and they really looked the part in their uniforms. They’re very talented young people and a real credit to the school.”

Janet Emsley, Director of Performing Arts said: “The band performed brilliantly. Gwen Smith, their conductor, had chosen a lively programme which the children enjoyed playing.

“Special mention should go to the Bass Section who won the prize for Best Bass Section following their performance of ‘The Policeman’s Song’.

"Our thanks also to GMP for their kind loan of uniforms that made the item a little bit special, the lads looked very smart.”