A BAND which played the Barry Manilow song Copacabana during a Poppy Day procession today issued a public apology.

The Burnley Guide and Scout Band, which had been booked by Clitheroe Town Council, caused uproar by belting out the tune during Sunday's parade to honour the war dead.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed that the music had shocked and upset members of the Royal British Legion as they marched towards St Michael and St John's Church.

Tom Bradshaw, Scouter-in-Charge of the band, today said sorry for causing the furore.

He said: "If we have caused any offence we are sorry. We would not wish to be disrespectful to anyone.

"Over the 50 years we have been active, former members have served in the Canal Zone, Northern Ireland and the Falklands and we are proud of this fact. "Our style is that of a display band, not a traditional brass band. Organisations who book us know this.

"Our appearance in Clitheroe was our third. In previous years we have played similar music from the current year's show without any known complaints.

"Many adults are too adept at knocking young people, but nobody picks up the good points such as playing at Christmas for the elderly on the hospital wards and at sheltered accommodation.

"As for us being the only band the council could afford, we do not charge for such occasions. The council gave us a donation."

The deputy Mayor of Clitheroe, Councillor John McGowan, has called for an inquiry.

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