The members of Pilling Jubilee Silver Band are still in celebratory mood following their victory at the recent Brass at the Guild Contest in Preston.

Their Third Section victory under the baton of MD Steve Hartley, not only saw them pick up the Allan Mason Trophy and the £400 first prize, but was helped greatly on 'First Suite in Eb' by Gustav Holst with a helping hand from 'Best Soloist' Andy Hall on principal cornet and 'Best Horn', Kate Marney.

A delighted MD also left for home with the Ken Lawton Trophy as the winning conductor.

Made up

Looking back in the victory — the first under his direction since taking up the role a year ago, Steve told 4BR: "As you can imagine, we are all made up with the win and the individual awards that came with it.

I've been with the band for a year now and I'm so pleased that the hard work in rehearsals has come to fruition on the contest stage. The band is growing in maturity and I couldn't have asked for anything more from them at Preston."

I've been with the band for a year now and I'm so pleased that the hard work in rehearsals has come to fruition on the contest stageMD, Steve Hartley

Working hard

He added: "We are now hard at work preparing the piece for the North West Area contest as well as working up music for a series of spring concerts.

The standard of the bands at Blackpool is very high as always, and we look forward to competing in what will no doubt be a tough contest."