Hammonds Saltaire has announced three new signings ahead of a very busy first half of 2012 which includes their return to the Championship Section Area contest at Bradford in March.

Baritone player Marrianne Garbutt joins from Eccles, Abbie Duffy joins the cornet section from Rochdale Borough Youth Band and Owen Garbutt previously with Marsden, joins the bass section.

Delighted

MD, Morgan Griffiths told 4BR: "I'm delighted with these new signings. Marianne, Abbie and Owen have already made a fantastic impact and are looking forward particularly to the forthcoming competitions and events.

The band would like to extend a warm welcome to these talented musicians and join with us going from strength to strength."

The band would like to extend a warm welcome to these talented musicians and join with us going from strength to strengthMD, Morgan Griffiths

Annual Awards

Meanwhile, the band annoucned its annual award winners following a celebration evening at their Scarborough concert.

Bass player Fiona Timms was named 'Bands person of the Year', whilst 17 year old principal cornet Jamie Smith collected the 'Conductors Player of the Year'. Principal Euphonium, Matthew Allsop was named 'Players Player of the Year'.