United Co-op Milnrow has announced that Mareika Gray and Leigh Baker will be working together in leading the band to the Grand Shield.

Right person

A band spokesman told 4BR: "With the Spring Festival contest fast approaching and with a full band it was important to appoint the right person or persons. After initially coming down as a guest conductor, and after the first rehearsal it was clear that with her knowledge and enthusiasm, Mareika was the ideal choice to take the band to Blackpool."

Thrilled

Mareika gladly accepted and is said to be thrilled and thoroughly looking forward to putting Milnrow through its paces on ‘Titan’s Progress’.

Due to Mareika’s other commitments she is unable to make every rehearsal, so the band has secured the services of Leigh Baker to help in the all important prepration.

With the Spring Festival contest fast approaching and with a full band it was important to appoint the right person or personsUnited Co-op Milnrow

Pleased

The spokesperson added: "We are pleased Leigh Baker has also agreed to help prepare us for the Blackpool challenge."

Leigh told 4BR: "Milnrow are a band with a real desire to succeed. They have responded well to the work both Marieka and myself have undertaken so far. Working with Mareika is really enjoyable and together we all feel that we can make a real challenge for honours in May."