After a consistently successful 2011 the South Yorkshire Police Band has informed 4BR that they are looking forward to the challenges of the new season following their promotion to the First Section.

Debut

Their debut will come with their performance of Eric Ball's 'High Peak' directed by euphonium star Michael Howley, as professional MD, Leigh Baker is away with Leyland Band.

"Michael is a fantastic talent with so much enthusiasm and the ability to motivate and inspire. He is working Hepworth hard and was the natural choice to take the police reigns at Butlins," Leigh told 4BR.

Impressed

He added: "Michael has been working the band hard and they in turn have been very impressed with him. I would like to wish them all the best in a very strong First Section Butlins field."

Michael has been working the band hard and they in turn have been very impressed with him. I would like to wish them all the best in a very strong First Section Butlins fieldLeigh Baker

Signings

Meanwhile, the band welcomes Lisa Thorpe from Yorkshire Imps and former player Andy Schofield to the band's horn bench.

Bumper up Alex Wilkinson also takes the flugel seat vacated by Andrea Payne's return to repiano.