Reigning Scottish champion Co-operative Funeralcare has announced a quintet of high profile signings ahead of its title defence in Perth in March.

Horn, tubas, cornet and euph

Former Tredegar solo horn player Chris Davies takes on the same role with immediate effect, whilst Belgian star Glen Van Looy will return to play solo euphonium.

Ben Thomson, Principal Tuba of the Scottish Symphony Orchestra comes in on the bass end and will be joined by Alistair Boag from Kirkintilloch who joins on Bb tuba.

Finally, the band welcomes back former principal cornet player Christine Millar to further strengthen the cornet team.

Excited

Chris commented to 4BR: "Co-op has really made a name for itself over the last few years and I’m excited to be joining at this juncture and honoured that I was invited."

Glenn added: "I'm very happy with my new appointment at Co-op. I worked with the band at the European Championships in Rotterdam and really enjoyed it. They have been in great form and I'm looking forward to working with MD Dr Nicholas Childs."

We are really excited that the players all accepted our invitation to join usBand Manager Martin Stack

Wealth of experience

Band Manager Martin Stack told 4BR: "We are really excited that the players all accepted our invitation to join us. Christine and Alistair are well known to us, bring a wealth of experience of top class banding and will be great assets to their respective sections.

The appointments of Chris, Ben and Glenn is fantastic news too as they are performers of the very highest class."