The Llwydcoed Band has announced the signing of former Cory flugel horn star Richard Davies, who joins the ambitious Welsh Championship outfit on cornet.

Important role

Richard recently retired from Cory due to ongoing problems with a serious back condition, which meant he could not undertake a full time role in their exhaustive schedule.

However, with Llwydcoed close to home and with him already working on developing their successful youth set up, he can now play an important role without putting his health at risk.

Hard decision

He told 4BR: "It was a hard decision to leave Cory after so many successful years. I was all set for retirement when Chris, who I've known for so many years through our time at Cory, came and asked me to reconsider.

With less of a busy schedule and with it being the place where my playing career started it was an offer I couldn't refuse. I can now help youngsters start to enjoy a life-long passion for brass banding and carry on my playing as well, so it has worked out perfectly."

You can imagine how pleased I was to have persuaded Richard to come to us. He is renowned for his wonderful sound and his enthusiasm to help a new generation of players is something that will be a huge benefitMD, Chris Turner

Happy MD

The Llwydcoed MD Chris Turner was also a happy man.

"You can imagine how pleased I was to have persuaded Richard to come to us,"Chris said. "He is renowned for his wonderful sound and his enthusiasm to help a new generation of players is something that will be a huge benefit to the band."

Richard will make his debut with the band at the forthcoming Welsh League contest in Burry Port.