SKIPTON Brass has appointed Alan Widdop as its new musical director.

An experienced director, Alan has a real commitment to working with and improving bands and his successes with his previous bands – Marsden Band and Uppermill Band - are testament to this.

He has played with the award-winning Black Dyke Mills Band and Versatile Brass and has also toured with The Three Degrees and Dame Shirley Bassey.

He was also a regular member of the Sid Lawrence Orchestra and the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra for many years.

A spokesman for Skipton Brass said: "Although Skipton Brass won’t be playing to the crowds Alan was used to with Dame Shirley Bassey, we will be out and about over the next few months at local events doing what we do best, representing Skipton as the town brass band.

"Our Skipton engagements include Skipton Gala and Sheep Day, as well as several Saturday daytime concerts in Skipton Town Centre as part of our commitment and support of the Skipton Town Partnership."

This year will also see some players from the training band, Gateway Brass, taking on the challenge of playing with the main band at formal events.

The training group meets at Skipton Academy from 6pm on a Monday night and spaces are available for anyone looking for the challenge of picking up a new instrument or even reacquainting themselves with one from a few years ago!

Anyone wanting to join either Gateway Brass or Skipton Brass should get in touch by emailing secretary@skiptonbrass.org.uk or call 01756 770282.