TIME is running out to "buy" the world famous Besses o'th' Barn Band.

The 28-piece ensemble, based in Whitefield, has put itself up for grabs on the internet auction www.ebay.com and bidders have until 6pm on Tuesday to stake their claim.

All the musicians' positions are listed, with people bidding for the right to sponsor individual seats. It is hoped the idea will raise substantial funds for the band.

In return, the successful patrons will be displayed on the band's roll of honour on its own website and they will be given regular updates on the bands progress and activities.

Sponsors will also receive two free tickets to attend a local Besses concert.

Band chairman Richard Cookson said: "The band needs to attract financial input. Despite being almost 200 years old, we will continue to seek every available opportunity, new and old, to develop and prosper."

The idea to go on-line came from band member and regular eBay user, Dave Aston.

He said: "It costs a lot of money to run the band, around £10,000 a year in travel costs. The bands with all the money win all the competitions and bands like the Yorkshire Building Society Band gets £100,000 a year.

"We have been looking for sponsorship for a while and we havent won anything major for ages."

Mr Aston, who plays the first horn, is registered as the seller, and since going on eBay has scored more than 500 hits.

He added: "Normally a lot of people wait until the last minute to bid."

Bids start at 1p and at lunchtime on Monday the highest bid had been for £27, made by a customer called billypiratedog for the position of assistant principal cornet.

All 28 positions are listed, from the principal cornet to percussionist and there are also three extra positions up for grabs: including the band secretary, contest secretary and librarian.

Mr Aston said: "If we raise £1,000 we will be happy but if we could raise £10,000 then that will keep the band in existence for another 12 months.

"At the moment we need some new larger jackets for some players and they cost £200 a time. All the band are really pleased with the idea and I suppose there is some competition between everyone to see who will get the highest bid!

"We sent them all home the other day encouraging them to get someone to bid for them."

l Besses oth barn Band was formed in 1818 and during the 1880s began practising in the Band Room, behind the now-defunct Red King pub, in Moss Lane, where it still rehearses today.

Next year the band celebrates the 100th anniversary of its first world tour. Visit their website at www.besses.co.uk for more details.