With the transfer merry-go-round starting to gain speed at a number of top flight Championship bands ahead of the second half of the season, Foden's have made their first move with the signing of David Gillson on flugel horn.

Highly rated

The BBC Radio 'Young Brass Award' finalist for the past two years fills the vacancy created by the departure of Helen Williams to Cory.

The highly rated player comes to the Sandbach band after enjoying spells on solo cornet at Grimethorpe Colliery and latterly at North West rivals Fairey.

Extremely pleased

Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "We are extremely pleased. I have been a huge admirer of David's playing over the years through the National Youth Band and his studies at the RNCM in Manchester where he has just finished his studies under the guidance of Prof Roger Webster.

I have always been very impressed by his work rate as well as his great sound and lyrical playing which has become even more evident since he has been playing flugel."

This is a fantastic opportunity for me to join a world class band in a soloist positionDavid Gillson

Fantastic opportunity

Speaking about his appointment David added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for me to join a world class band in a soloist position. Taking over from such an excellent player like Helen is a huge challenge but I'm looking forward to it."

He added: "Having also been on placement with the Foden's Youth Band through their partnership with the RNCM, I'm excited to help the band encourage young people to develop their musical talents.

Finally I must thank the Fairey Band for the last couple of years, particularly the expert guidance and support I received from Prof Garry Cutt, Paul Hughes and Brian Taylor."