The Staffordshire Band has announced the signing of four new players.

Beccy Heath joins on solo cornet, whilst Izzy Rutherford comes in on flugel. Ricky Shaw will step in on Bb Bass with Lee Gilbert joining on percussion.

Fine four

Chairman Shaun Elliott told 4BR: "The signing of these four fine players further reinforces our commitment to move on under our conducting Team of David Purkiss, Leigh Baker, Craig Stevens and, of course Musical Advisor, Ian Porthouse."

We had a pretty good 2013, but we are aiming to make 2014 even better!Chairman Shaun Elliott

Looking to the future

He added: "We had a pretty good 2013, but we are aiming to make 2014 even better! Our residency at Forest Arts Centre in Walsall goes from strength to strength we now have a newly-formed alliance with Lichfield Cathedral that promises much to go with our new Junior Band.

We also hope to form a new Intermediate Band in the next few months, so we are not simply looking at the present, but very much, the future of brass in the Midlands."