The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band have received a donation of £1,100 from the Radstock Co-operative Society, who chose the local group as one of their charities of the year.

The donation was officially presented by Radstock Co-operative President, Jeremy Fricker and Head of PR and Communications, Vicki Przytocki last week.

Accepting the award were Silver Band Chairman, Trevor Curtis, (solo cornet), Dan Burrows, (third cornet), and Tabby Johnson, (second baritone).

Chairman Trevor Curtis said that the band intend to use the money to replace some of the older instruments still in use, some of which can cost up to £400 each.

The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band was formed in July 1980 by Angela Lowe, using instruments from the old Radstock Silver Band held by trustees, £400 from the Midsomer Norton Band held in trust, and a further £600 grant from the Council.

In March this year, the band again entered the Regional Championships, finishing third place and earning themselves a second successive qualification for the National Finals in September. The band also finished top of the Third

Section, and from January 2018 they will be promoted to the Second Section, therefore achieving the highest national ranking in its history.

The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band rehearse every Tuesday and Friday night at Radstock Methodist Church, with the Training Band practising from 6.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m, and the Senior Band practising from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. The band are always looking for new members, and invite anyone thinking of joining to attend a practice session, where instruments can be provided.