The Lochgelly Band has finally achieved a long held ambition by returning once more to the Championship Section after winning the First Section contest at Glenrothes on the weekend.

Excellent performance

Their performance of 'A Moorside Suite' caught the ear of judges Dave Barringer and David Thornton, with David Thornton remarking on their 'excellent performance' and David Barringer saying that it was also 'an enjoyable experience'.

The band were last in the top section of Scottish banding in 1989, so the result was the culmination of a long and at times difficult journey back, which at one point saw the band drop into the Fourth Section.

Roof off

Members of the band almost took the roof off the Rothes Hall as their name was read out and 20 years of frustration and disappointments were forgotten in celebrations that lasted long into the wee hours.

There were a few sore heads and sick notes in the morning. We've waited so long for this day and we made sure we savoured itChairman, Neil McCormack

Sore heads

Band Chairman Neil McCormack told 4BR: "There were a few sore heads and sick notes in the morning. We've waited so long for this day and we made sure we savoured it."

Deserved

Band spokesman John Martin added: "It has taken us twenty years but we've finally done it. I'm proud of each and every one of the players that took to that stage. The amount of work that has been put into the last few weeks has been incredible. We've had a few tears and tantrums along the way but its been tears of joy today, and well deserved."