IN an age when young people seem to get a lot of bad publicity, I feel that it is only fair to give praise when this is due.

I was invited to a concert given by Haydock Youth Brass Band in St Mark's Church, Haydock. I was promised a treat, and it was no idle promise. I was treated to a veritable feast of lovely music, ranging from the younger section playing a variation on The Floral Dance and a tune I recognised from a song sung by Elvis Presley, Wooden Heart, to some very sophisticated and beautifully rendered music from the senior section.

Two pieces stand out in my memory. One was a march composed by Gustav Holst, and the other was a powerfully evocative pieced called Meditations, the third movement of Facets of Glass, which I believe was commissioned by Pilkington.

Three of the performers deserve a special mention. Eight-year-old Craig Gaskell gave a very creditable rendition of Merrily We Roll Along after only six weeks tuition, whilst 16-year-old Daniel Lowry played a masterful euphonium solo, Chefaro. Seventeen-year-old Mark Hart was presented with an award for nine years' continued service, and the invitation to continue.

It was lovely to see and hear these young people working together in harmony -- long may they continue.

Credit must be given to their parents for their support and to the committee for arranging the evening. Their musical director, David Chadwick, obviously works with great skill and enthusiasm which has resulted in the band winning several competitions, including the National Youth Brass Band Championship, 2000. Congratulations to you all.

Their success doesn't stop there. I believe that the band has been invited to perform at an international concert in Italy in 2002. They will need to raise about £12,000 for this, and have already started. If there are any sponsors out there who are looking for a worthy cause to put their name to, I can recommend this.

But don't take my word for it, go along to their next concert and hear for yourselves. Put the date in your diary now, December 29, and enjoy an extra Christmas treat.

Ros Swift, chair, St Helens CVYS Youth Matters.