The Morecambe Band may not quite have claimed a place at the First Section Cheltenham National Finals on the weekend in Blackpool, but there was still a celebration to enjoy following confirmation that for the first time in their 125 year history they will attain Championship Section status in 2015.

Remarkable rise

It caps a remarkable rise from Third Section to top flight in just six years under MD Andrew Warriner, with a brace of Final appearances and no less than 18 podium finishes at various contests along the way.

And despite just missing out on a third trip to the Finals, the MD was still a very proud conductor when he spoke to 4BR: "Gaining Championship status is a great reward for the band and all its supporters," Andrew said.

"We will be doing our very best to keep Morecambe Band moving forward over the next 125 years too, and I would like to thank all the players and committee members for all their hard work in finally realising this amazing ambition."

Young players

He added: "This week we will be introducing a number of younger players to the ranks who have graduated through our B Band, and will be ready to progress onto the contest stage well in time for our Championship debut next year."

Gaining Championship status is a great reward for the band and all its supportersMD, Andrew Warriner

125th Celebration

The band’s 125th anniversary will be celebrated with an outdoor party at the famous Lancaster Brewery this summer and they hope that many former members will get in touch to join them.