SKIPTON Brass Band will play its first concert of the year next Saturday, January 31.

It is a joint venture with the Skipton branch of Soroptimist International and will kickstart its fundraising events for 2015.

The concert will take place at St Andrew's Church, on Newmarket Street, Skipton, and is in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the nominated charity of the Soroptimists this year, with some funding also going to the band.

"It is hoped that this will be the start of a great partnership which can help raise money for a number of charities in the future," said a band spokesman.

The concert will start 7pm and tickets costing £8 are available through the band members, members of the Soroptimists or at Skipton Tourist Information in the Town Hall.

Starting from humble beginnings in the 1870s as Jack Guy’s Skipton Mission Band, Skipton Brass is thought to be the town's oldest secular musical organisation.

It is always happiest playing locally and, in the run-up to Christmas, it played carols in a number of venues including Addingham, Baildon, Malham Cove, Skipton High Street, Craven Court, Morrisons and Holy Trinity Church.

"Our aim this year is to be seen much more in and around Skipton and to bring music to the streets of Craven," added the spokesman.

Any musicians wishing to join the band should go along to a rehearsal at Skipton Academy, which take place every Monday from 7.15pm to 9.15pm, or if you have never played before and would like to learn then Gateway Brass meets from 6pm to 7pm. Visitors and players to both bands are always welcome.