Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band has announced a brace of signings and a hairy television appearance.

New role

Claire Benson, joins the Midlanders on the front row cornet bench after moving to the area. Claire previously played with the Oughtibridge Band in Yorkshire and takes up her new role as ‘bumper-up’.

The band’s principal cornet, Karen Varley, told 4BR: "I’m very pleased to welcome Claire. She is a fine player and I’m sure we will make a good combination.

Claire fits in well with our front row and has settled in to the family atmosphere of the band as if she joined years ago."

The vacant BBb bass position has been filled by the return of Pete Thornburn from Thoresby Colliery Band.

the band will also be appearing on television this coming Sunday as they link up with the famous television chefs, the Hairy Bikers on their Restoration Road Trip on BBC 2 at 9.00pm4BR

Hairy Bikers

Meanwhile, the band will also be appearing on television this coming Sunday as they link up with the famous television chefs, the Hairy Bikers on their Restoration Road Trip on BBC 2 at 9.00pm.