A CROSS Hills-based orchestra is again hosting the region’s annual accordion competition.

The Craven Accordion Orchestra is this year using the Skipton Building Society’s head office, known as The Bailey, as the venue for the Central Area Championships.

The contest, due to be held on November 17, will also feature competition classes for piano and guitar.

Many of the competitors will hail from the Craven School of Music, in Cross Hills, whose members formed the orchestra several years ago with accordion teacher Harry Hinchcliffe.

Harry said: “The championships have been held locally for the past 23 years. We have the pleasure of the first time to welcome Royal Academy of Music graduate Murray Grainger as adjudicator.”

“This year’s event welcomes participation from Northern Ireland, the South of England and the Midlands, as well as many locals. The venue has parking facilities, refreshments and trade stands.”

Email cravenschoolofmusic@hotmail.co.uk for further information on the competition.

Harry added: “The award-winning Craven Accordion Orchestra’s successes are well-documented, and we are grateful to our many loyal supporters.”

Last month the Craven Accordion Orchestra he was joined by the London Accordion Orchestra for a concert at the rendezvous Hotel in Skipton.

The London musicians, who regularly attend international events, were led by musical director Ian Watson who studied accordion at the Royal Academy of Music and went on to work with all the major UK orchestras.

Watson founded the London Accordion Orchestra in 1999.