The Elland Silver Band organisation has celebrated the latest success of its training and youth ensembles at the recent National Youth Championships of Great Britain in Cheltenham.

It saw the Training Band become the Yamaha Performance Section Champion, whilst the Youth Band came third in the senior World of Brass Championship Section. Both gave outstanding 'Gold Award' performances.

70 youngsters

In total the Yorkshire organisation, which provides opportunities for musicians of all ages and abilities to play brass and percussion instruments, travelled to the event with 70 youngsters under conductor Samantha Harrison, and accompanied by a team of volunteer chaperones.

The Training Band performed 'Curtain Up!' by Jock McKenzie, before the solo 'Let Me Try Again' was splendidly played by 11 year old principal cornet Edward Griffiths. That segued into the Indiana Jones inspired 'Raider's March' as well as Take That's 'Rule the World' before finishing foot stamping sounds of 'The Wellerman'.

The adjudicators described their performance as "confident, rhythmical and musical"as they reclaimed the title in fantastic fashion.

This is another huge achievement for our young musiciansMD, Samantha Harrison .

Viking premiere

The Youth Band meanwhile performed a challenge set of original compositions with a Viking theme, which included a brand-new commission 'Raid of the Vikings' from composer Jonathan Bates.

Speaking about the weekend, Musical Director Sam Harrison said: "This is another huge achievement for our young musicians. Inspired by the competitive element they worked incredibly hard and it was incredible to hear them perform to such a high standard in enjoying their music making."