MEMBERS of Thornton Cleveleys Band are blowing their own trumpets after a superb performance in a prestigious championship.

Around 30 bands took part in the North West Area Brass Bands Association Preston District 51st Annual Championships at the Marine Hall, Fleetwood, on Sunday (October 3).

And Thornton Cleveleys Band won their section, a trophy and £200.

Band secretary Howard Midgley explained: "The format of the competition is very much like football.

"There are separate divisions, we're in the fourth section, and the more competitions you win the more points you get and you can get promoted or relegated. "We won our section and we were absolutely over the moon because when you play in competitions it can get a bit nerve-wracking.

"I looked around the players in our band just before our performance and I could see there were a few nerves - but thankfully it all came together when it really mattered.

"All in all the day went really well and it was yet another successful and enjoyable day for our band.

"I'm also really pleased for the other local bands, Pilling and Freckleton, who won the third section and championship section respectively, and Blackpool Band who came third in the second section.

"This proves the standard of bands across the Fylde continues to improve."

And the day was an extra special one for Gladys Swann, the band's publicity officer.

Sunday was her birthday and Gladys collected the trophy together with a special award from the band for reaching 25 years as a member.

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