The South Yorkshire Police Band will be enjoying Christmas this year with a festive glow after the most successful season in its 40 year history.

The band became Yorkshire and National Champions of Great Britain, as well as Leicestershire BBA winners in an unbeaten contesting year under MD Leigh Baker, and will compete in the Yorkshire First Section in 2020 after attracting a number of new signings.

New signings

The experienced Trevor Kendall comes from the City of Hull Band on principal cornet and is joined in the section by Tom Barrett from Spennymoor and Sheffield University Band and Henrietta Darwin from Dodworth Colliery Band.

Brad Kaye comes in on horn from Skelmanthorpe Prospect, Toby Dytrych joins on percussion from Sheffield University Band and Andy Platts takes on the BBb bass role from Chapeltown.

The band became Yorkshire and National Champions of Great Britain, as well as Leicestershire BBA winners in an unbeaten contesting year under MD Leigh Baker4BR

Celebratory concert

The band's 40th anniversary celebrations climaxed in October with a concert at Doncaster Minster organised by the Lions of Doncaster organisation, where they were joined by percussion star Simone Rebello as guest soloist.

Simone also led an inspirational percussion workshop for youngsters earlier in the day before the packed evening audience was treated to a varied programme including four joint items.

The night also saw James McArthy from the famous Black Watch Regiment join in a rendition of 'The Gael' for a tremendous finale. The event also raised £8,500 for the Children's Air Ambulance Charity.