The Woodfalls Band has announced that owing to the financial climate, its long-term sponsorship deal with South West Trains has come to an end.

Happy years

The rail operator SWT has sponsored Woodfalls band since 1995, 14 happy years of partnership.

The sponsorship deal enabled the band to expand its reach into the community, hold young composers competitions, masterclasses for young players around the region and subsidised countless large-scale charity concerts that saw the band raise tens of thousands for good causes.

Alongside lottery grants, the partnership with South West Trains also helped refurbish the Woodfalls Band hall and purchase new instruments.

The partnership between South West Trains and Woodfalls has helped push the band to where it is nowBrian Easterbrook

Grateful

"We are very grateful for the massive support that South West Trains have given us over more than a decade," said Bandmaster Paul Williams to 4BR.

He added: "It has been a tremendous honour to be part of the band whilst being supported by SWT and everyone in the band would like to thank them for what they have done for Woodfalls."

Push the band

Brian Easterbrook, Band Secretary, added: "The partnership between South West Trains and Woodfalls has helped push the band to where it is now. Obviously we are now looking for a new sponsor and I would like to encourage anyone interested in helping to get in touch with us."

The band will launch its new logo at a gala concert this weekend.