A RALLYING call has been sounded for former members of Upton Youth Band to take part in a reunion marking the group's 21st anniversary.

Corps director Helen Lane - one the its founding members - is on the trail people who have performed with the band throughout its colourful history.

The idea is to play together at a "big bash" in the town this summer.

The event at Upton sports pavilion - with bouncy castles, pig roast, Army display and band performances - will take place on Sunday, July 21.

Mrs Lane, whose daughters Kymberley, 11, and Sheridan, seven, play baritone and glockenspiel in the band, said: "I started having lessons from my uncle and started teaching youngsters the bugle."

"Then we moved on to valved instruments and, in 1980, we had a changeover from the Scouts and Guides' band, because as the uniforms were for Scouts, girls were not allowed to wear them."

Some of the members from the Scouts and Guides band left and the youth band was born.

A marching band in traditional American style, its musicians never turn away from the front where field commander Sharon Coxhead marks time. The steps have to be carefully choreographed after the music has been committed to memory, to allow them to walk backwards and sideways at the correct times.

The band has performed in many different venues, including a circus ring, marching down a main street at Eurodisney, the opening of a German theme park and in horizontal rain in Truro.

It came fifth overall in its category at last year's British Youth Band Association finals and was awarded the title of "best turned out band" in four of the five qualifying competitions it entered.

However, raising funds to keep it going is no easy task and sponsorship is being sought to provide a vehicle for equipment, alongside regular fundraising bingo evenings at Upton Social Club.

More members are always welcome, tuition is provided and the band is open to anyone aged eight to 25. Information on the reunion or becoming a present day member is available on 01684 576977.