There will be one very proud cornet player looking back at something of a personal 'gallery' of his contesting life at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.

Bob Osbourne of Redbridge Band will be celebrating over half a century since he first appeared at the event, when as something of a Cornish child prodigy he played third cornet with St Dennis Band on Gilbert Vinter's 'Triumphant Rhapsody'.

Sixteenth time

Now, 52 years later, Bob will take to the stage for the 16th time having played in every decade since that first appearance — including seven times with St Dennis, eight with Aveley & Newham and now his debut with Redbridge.

"In 1965 aged 10, I think I was the youngest player to play at the National Finals that day,"he told 4BR: "I never thought over 50 years later I would still be coming back!"

In 1965 aged 10, I think I was the youngest player to play at the National Finals that day. I never thought over 50 years later I would still be coming back!Bob Osbourne

Personal thrill

He added: "I know there have been older players, more successful players and those who have made many more appearances than me, but you still can't beat the personal thrill you get when you walk out onto the stage — even 52 years after you first did it."