The famous name of Meltham & Meltham Mills Band will be seen in the line up of bands competing in the Championship Section in Yorkshire this year, following their consistent rise up through the sections – from Second to Championship in just four years.

Open hat trick

It means that the band that was formed in 1846 and won the British Open Championship three years in a row from 1876-1878, will make their debut at the top level for as they look to qualify for the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

the main core of key players have remained loyal and constant throughout the band’s promotions, and as such, fully deserve the honour of leading the band into the ‘premier league’Ben Lodge

Fortunate

Spokesperson Ben Lodge told 4BR: "As with all bands, work commitments and study courses have resulted in a relatively modest turn-over of players, but the band are extremely fortunate that the main core of key players have remained loyal and constant throughout the band’s promotions, and as such, fully deserve the honour of leading the band into the ‘premier league’."

The vastly experienced Norman Law will direct the band at Bradford.