The Desford Band has announced the welcome return to the tuba section of Sergeant Jonathan Truscott from the RAF Central Band.

Delighted to be back

Jonathan will be playing solo Eb Bass with the Midlanders at the forthcoming British Open, and after a four year absence from the Desford ranks, he is also delighted to be back.

He told 4BR: "Rimsky Korsakov’s ‘Scheherazade’ is one of my favourite pieces and I’m sure Stephen Roberts has done a fantastic job with ‘Arabian Nights’.

Having the opportunity to play at one of the finest brass band contests in the world, with such a great band under Nigel Seaman is a real privilege and honour."

Also rejoining the ranks on solo Bb tuba is Philip Convey following his spell with Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

Having the opportunity to play at one of the finest brass band contests in the world, with such a great band under Nigel Seaman is a real privilege and honourJonathan Truscott

Sponsorship boost

There was further good news for the band with the announcement that the Leicestershire Miners Trust Fund will sponsor the band’s appearances at both Symphony Hall and the 2014 Butlins Mineworkers Championship. The band will amend its name accordingly for both events.