Members of a brass band have been playing to the tune of success after they triumphed in an international competition.

Blackburn and Darwen band blew the opposition away at the National Brass Band Entertainments contest in Wychavon, Worcestershire at the weekend by beating 18 other bands from the UK, Germany and Norway.

Their musical portrayal of the D-Day landings of the Second World War won them first place and a prize of £900.

The band’s 20 minute programme consisted of four pieces with dialogue and told the story of a farmer‘s son from Darwen being called up to fight in the war.

The adjudicator was impressed with the standard of performance and loved the story telling element of their set.

Musical director, Daniel Thomas, who was also praised by the adjudicator, said: "Words cannot express how proud I am of my extended band family at Blackburn and Darwen.

"To win the Wychavon 1st section entertainment contest, to get the winning MD’s trophy, and to be the best out of 18 great bands is proof of what amazing things we can achieve.

"To conduct my home town band, with my Dad, Alan, on principal cornet is one of my proudest achievements."

The band beat Brass Band Regensburg from Germany into second with Enderby Band from Leicestershire in third.

And the prize for Best Baritone Horns went to Blackburn and Darwen's Sue Speakman and Al Brewer.

The prize money will help towards the band's goal of achieving championship section status, improving the standard of their junior band and attracting more players to their beginner band.

On Sunday, the band will be performing in Blackburn Cathedral for a Remembrance Day concert, with their Christmas concert being held in St Cuthbert's Church, Darwen, on December 14.