The Rainford Band has announced the retirement of long serving 2nd horn player Phil Upton.

Tribute

Paying tribute, MD Neil Samuel told 4BR: "Phil has been such a pleasure to work with. He has been fully committed to each and every performance and has always supported me in my quest to get Rainford to the Championship Section, and for that I am very grateful."

Organise

Despite his retirement from playing, Phil will still stay with the band in a managerial position assisting with the day to day running as well as continuing to organise the popular 'Northern Open' contest that is due to take place in November.