The Vernon Building Society Poynton Band has announced the departure of Musical Director Colin Short.

During his tenure he guided the nationally graded First Section North West band to prizes at a number of contests.

Promotion

Band spokesman David Johnson told 4BR: "Colin has recently been promoted to head teacher at Reddish Vale Technology College. The band would like to thank him for all his hard work and enthusiasm over the last two years and wish him every success in his new job."

The band would like to thank him for all his hard work and enthusiasm over the last two years and wish him every success in his new jobVBS Poynton

New MD

The band has acted quickly to find a new MD with the appointment of former Rainford conductor Neil Samuel.

Neil worked with the band in their preparation for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool, where they eventually came fifth.

Neil told 4BR: "I'm thrilled to have accepted the position. Poynton is a band I've always admired for their high standard of playing on and off the contest stage. I believe these are exciting times and I can't wait to get started."