Blackburn & Darwen has announced that Dan Thomas has been appointed as their new Musical Director.

It will mean a return to Lancashire for the RNCM graduate who currently plays second euphonium with Brighouse & Rastrick, as he told 4BR.

Fantastic opportunity

"It's a fantastic opportunity to develop my conducting whilst working with my home town band,"he said. "They have a great history and are coming up to their 180th anniversary which everyone is looking forward to.

They have a dedicated team of players and committee, and I believe that in time we can get back to the Championship Section where I believe they belong."

They have a dedicated team of players and committee, and I believe that in time we can get back to the Championship Section where I believe they belongDaniel Thomas

Thornton role

In response a band spokesperson added: "We would like to thank Dave Thornton for his excellent work since September and are delighted that he has agreed to take on a clinician role supporting Dan in his development with us.

We are thrilled to have Dan back in the band room and are looking forward to a successful relationship with our new conductor which includes long term plans for the development of our junior band set-up."