A CLEOBURY Mortimer-based band is celebrating after receiving a £500 cash boost, which will benefit its younger members.

The Bell Inn Brass Band has received a BT Community Champion's Award, which will fund new instruments and tuition books.

Band chairman, Colin Andrews, who works for BT, applied for the funding, which recognises BT employees who have been actively involved in a local group or charity organisation for more than 12 months.

The band is based at The Bell Inn pub and has 35 members, aged from nine to 60.

It runs a learner group for children, aged from seven, who are given free tuition until they have mastered their skills to join the band.

Mr Andrews, who has been a member of the band for 20 years and plays a baritone horn, said: "We are very proud of our work playing and promoting music at community events and organisations.

"Receiving recognition and support through the BT scheme shows how much my voluntary work is valued by both by those in the community who benefit from it directly and my employer. This funding will make a real difference."

Mr Andrews added: "It is going to help our younger members. We are going to buy a couple of student instruments and tutor books that are more modern than the ones we've got.

"It is the youth that keeps the band going. We have always encouraged the younger ones to get involved.

"We have to try to keep them interested for the future of the band."

The band, which was one of 19 community groups across the Midlands to receive awards, plays at a range of local events and in August entertained crowds in Kidderminster's Brinton Park as part of the Bands in the Park concert series. It has also raised more than £280 for the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

As well as traditional brass band music, the musicians also play contemporary tunes and pop songs.

Mr Andrews said: "The band is open to anyone of any age who lives in or around Cleobury who wants to have a go. We have a lot of fun."

For further information visit www.bellinnbrass.co.uk