THE Bands in the Park series is returning to Malvern in style, thanks to financial support from the town council.

Malvern Hills District Brass Band kept music going in Victoria Park bandstand last year with concerts supported by collections, following cuts in Malvern Hills District Council's tourism budget.

Now the town council has agreed to sponsor a series of at least 12 concerts during the summer.

Town clerk Stuart McDonough said the council had been unable to help last year because it did not have money in its budget.

It received 40 letters on the subject and last week gave the go-ahead to support the concerts.

Malvern Hills District Brass Band will be among the bands taking part. The council will also discuss bringing in other bands with an agent.

Town councillor Richard Perkins welcomed the news, not least because he plays second euphonium with the Malvern Hills District Brass Band.

He said: "Speaking as a band member, I'm very please that the council has agreed to support this series of concert as the ones we did last year proved how popular they are.

"We were very well supported by people, who were coming to the park especially to listen to the band.

"People like it, it brings people back into the park and it's something happening in the town."