The Westoe Band has announced that Derek Broadbent will unfortunately not be leading them at the forthcoming North of England Championships in Darlington, this Sunday.

Thanks

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We would like to thank Derek for his immense contribution and efforts to date and we hope that we are able to work together again in the very near future. We wish Derek every success in the future."

We would like to thank Derek for his immense contribution and efforts to date and we hope that we are able to work together again in the very near futureWestoe Band

MD swap

In the meantime, Resident Conductor, Jason Smith, will now be taking the band to the contest.

The spokesperson added: "Jason has played an important role in preparing the band and had been due to play second euphonium. Lynne Griffiths is now stepping into that role and we would like to thank both for stepping into their new roles at such late notice."