Foden's Band has thanked supporters, well-wishers and brass band fans from all corners of the globe after receiving countless messages of congratulations following their National Championship title success at the Royal Albert Hall in London on the weekend.

One of the first people to offer their congratulations was Prof David King of Brighouse & Rastrick Band, who sought out conductor Russell Gray outside the hall, whilst messages have also come in from other competing bands and MDs on the day.

Overwhelmed

Principal cornet and Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "We've been overwhelmed by the hundreds of messages received — almost from the minute after we heard the result.

As you can imagine we are delighted but really humbled that Foden's Band is respected and admired in this way around the banding world."

As you can imagine we are delighted but really humbled that Foden's Band is respected and admired in this way around the banding worldMark Wilkinson

Dedicated

He added: "The past two years have been a difficult time following the devastating bandroom fire, so this victory means so much.

One of the band's greatest supporters and vice-presidents, Stephen Sebire MBE also died in August. Stephen was instrumental in helping the band gain sponsorship from the Britannia Building Society in the late 1980's and had remained a hugely important figure of support to the band ever since.

We would therefore like to dedicate this victory to him and his family as a thank you for all he did for the band."