4BR has spoken to MD Samantha Harrison following Elland Youth Band's win at the Action Research Youth Entertainment Championships in Blackpool on the weekend.

Ambition

Sam told 4BR: "To win the Action Medical Research Entertainment Contest has been an ambition for many years. Since first competing back in 2001 I have admired bands for the innovation and creativity and have been inspired by the likes of Rochdale Borough Youth and Youth Brass 2000."

Each year Elland has steadily improved and has now taken the premier youth entertainment title in the UK.

I must say a huge thanks to everyone for their contributions and for putting up with me and for helping me and our young people to realise our ambitionSam Harrison

Progress

Sam added: "Each year we have progressed and have tried different ideas to impress and to push the boundaries that little bit further."

Carmen

The band's performance on Sunday around the theme of the opera 'Carmen' was the result of an idea first discussed back in September last year.

Sam was helped by Murray Greig with his musical arrangements and Gordon Eddison with his script writing. There was further help with choreography and being a compere from Sam's mam, Kathleen.

Help

Everyone helped out, with Sam's boyfriend Andy using his skills to encourage the parents and youngsters.

Sam was full of thanks: "I must say a huge thanks to everyone for their contributions and for putting up with me and for helping me and our young people to realise our ambition."

Special

She concluded: "I must also thank Gary and Monica Walzack and everyone involved in organising the event, which in my opinion is one of the best I have been associated with. Their efforts to look after the young people so that they can put in their best performance is superb and being able to perform in the Opera House was a real treat and made it all the more special for us."