Elland Silver Youth Band's Musical Director Samantha Harrison has been awarded a Calderdale Council Good Citizenship award.

The prestigious local award is given people who have made a significant contribution to the community.

Samantha began her playing career in 1983 at the age of 7, and apart from two years in championship banding she has served continuously in the ranks of Elland Silver Band.

This is a third generation award as Sam's grandfather Kenneth Billington and mum Kathleen have also received the award in the past4BR

Youth formation

In 1994 she formed Elland Silver Youth sections to provide the youth of Calderdale the opportunity to learn to play a brass instrument, during this time she has taught almost 300 children and young people and few adults.

Some have moved into the senior band,others have gone onto study music at a higher level and some into championship banding.

Finest in the country

Today the youth band is one of the finest in the country, having won no less than 16 trophies in 2010 — a magnificent achievement for a community band and testament to her commitment and skilled teaching.

Samantha has now decided to change direction and is taking up brass teaching as a career — having been appointed as a brass teacher at Rastrick School.

Family hat trick

Samantha will be presented with the award at a ceremony in the council chamber of Calderdale Council on Wednesday 1st December.

This is a third generation award as Sam's grandfather Kenneth Billington and mum Kathleen have also received the award in the past.