Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band has announced that the vastly experienced Nick Harris has joined the band on solo euphonium.

One of the banding world's last working coal miners, the former Thoresby Colliery, Carlton Main and Brighouse & Rastrick player (right of picture) joins with immediate effect and returns to the band where he started to learn to play.

Efforts

Nick told 4BR: "After becoming disillusioned with top section banding and the attitude and ethos of those organisations, I have decided to throw all of my efforts into making Pleasley Colliery Band a successful contesting outfit.

They are a friendly and genuine bunch of people who whilst wishing to achieve success is firmly grounded in the fact that banding is a hobby and should remain fun and enjoyable."

Fabulous

MD Keith Buxton added: "Nick is a fabulous musician and bandsman. He will lead the section and will be a valuable asset to the band. He is a larger than life character and it is a pleasure to have him in the bandroom with his infectious enthusiasm.

To sign a player with Nick's pedigree is a huge boost for the band."

The band is currently rehearsing for their first CD recording in November.