Thoresby Colliery has announced that they are to team up with Ian Porthouse ahead of the Midlands Area contest in March.

Delighted

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The band is absolutely delighted that it has the opportunity to work with such an accomplished conductor on this year's area test piece."

Ian will be preparing the band as well as conducting them on ‘Paganini Variations’ in Bedworth.

An opportunity like this is well deserved. I know 2011 is going to be a great year, and it has already started with the recent result at ButlinsBand Manager Nick Harris

Well deserved

Band Manager Nick Harris added: "An opportunity like this is well deserved. I know 2011 is going to be a great year, and it has already started with the recent result at Butlins.

With Ian working together with resident MD Huw Thomas we have a great conducting team in place and with the invitation to attend the All England Masters it is another great step forward."