Following a highly successful month of working with the brass players at Smithills School, Assistant Headteacher Chris Wormald has confirmed the appointment of former pupil and Hull University graduate Matthew Ryan to the position of brass teacher at the school.

Matthew is also the MD of Eagley Band, and takes over the role held for four years by Anna Hughes-Williams.

Delighted

Chris told 4BR: "We are delighted to add Matthew to the Smithills team and thank Anna for her tremendous contribution over the last four years.

Matthew has already had great impact since Christmas and brings a wealth of brass experience.

We are delighted to add Matthew to the Smithills team and thank Anna for her tremendous contribution over the last four yearsChris Wormald

Drive

He added: "As an ex-Smithills pupil, he knows our drive at first hand and will work with the fifty Senior Brass Band members, thirty Junior Brass Band members and build up the host of new beginners who began playing in January."