The Reg Vardy Band has extended their thanks to some people after their excellent 5th place at this year's Brass in Concert contest at The Sage.

Swine flu

The band were blighted with the swine flu illness during the run up to the contest so were fortunate to have the services of Richard Martin on hand to deputise for soprano cornet Tom Glendinning.

The band also benefitted from Black Dyke MD, Dr Nicholas Childs allowing tuba star Joe Cook to perform at the contest in place of Eb Bass player Jen McCausland, who was also struck down with illness.

When we realised Jen would not be able to play on Sunday we thought Joe was the only option as he had taken part in the choreographed moves in the rehearsalReg Vardy Band

Thanks

A Reg Vardy spokesperson told 4BR: "We are very thankful to Joe as well as Black Dyke, who allowed him to play for us. Joe had been at our rehearsal on Friday and stepped in to play as Jen was missing.

"When we realised Jen would not be able to play on Sunday we thought Joe was the only option as he had taken part in the choreographed moves in the rehearsal."

They added: "Joe should have been tutoring at the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band but Nick allowed him to perform with us instead, to which we are very grateful."