Philip McCann has announced that he has left his role as Musical Director of Carlton Main Frickley Colliery.

The Scotsman's last performance with the Yorkshire Area champion was at the recent National Finals in London where they came fourteenth off the number 1 draw.

Five year tenure

The announcement brings to an end a highly successful five year tenure, which saw Carlton Main claim two memorable Yorkshire Regional Championship titles in 2013 and 2015 (above), as well as secure podium finishes at the British Open and National Championships of Great Britain.

He stated: "I have enjoyed an enormously fulfilling spell at Carlton Main with great musical success.

However, I have come to the conclusion that the time is right for both the band and myself to move on. Bands such as Carlton Main are for me, the ideal scenario of what brass banding is all about.

I wish the band every best wishes for what I feel will be a continuing and bright future."

Immense factor

Speaking to 4BR today, Band Secretary Ray Sykes said: "Philip has been an immense factor in the band enjoying its most successful period since the 1950's.

He is a wonderful musician and conductor and a man of great integrity, and we can only thank him for his fantastic leadership, commitment and musicianship.

We part on excellent terns with us both hoping to be able to work together in the future."

He is a wonderful musician and conductor and a man of great integrity, and we can only thank him for his fantastic leadership, commitment and musicianshipBand Secretary, Ray Sykes.

Young band

Ray added: "We have an exciting and talented young band that has been developed by Philip — one that will go on to claim yet more success.

We are now planning carefully for the future and announcements in respect to our new musical direction will be made as and when appropriate."