A TOP Worcestershire band that has reached the final of a national competition is "brassed off" after being told it needs to find a new home.

The Stourport-on-Severn Brass Band has been selected to play in the finals of the British Championship for the second year running.

But members hoping to give a polished performance are now being obliged to re-direct their efforts in order to find a place to rehearse.

For the last four years the band has been practising in a room in the Ramada Hotel near Bewdley every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

But plans for new bistro evenings at the end of this month clash with its rehearsal nights.

"The Ramada Hotel has been extremely good to us over the years, and we are sad to be leaving," said band spokeswoman Kate Morgan.

"The hotel generously provided the room free of charge and there was also a storage area for us to keep our instruments and music.

"And while they have given us notice to find somewhere else, we are only left with a couple of weeks in which to do so."

Established

The band was established in the 1960s as a high school group, but had to drop its youth status as players grew older. It has since established itself as one of the most successful brass bands in the Midlands.

"The past 12 months have been great for us, and not just because we have been chosen for the British Brass Band Championship finals," added Kate.

"We have numerous successes, including recent wins at the Rhyl and Wychavon entertainment contests, not to mention the band's appearance in the stage version of the popular film Brassed Off! at the Birmingham Rep.

Instruments

"But it is because we are doing so well, that our problem of not having a rehearsal venue in heightened."

The band, which has more than 25 members, needs a large, warm and dry room to practise in and to store its music and instruments.

This would need to be available for approximately two hours on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and should preferably be in the Worcestershire area, al-though the musicians are prepared to travel further afield.

Anyone who would like to help out should call Kate Morgan on 07967 676411.