Yorkshire’s Halifax Courier newspaper recently held its high profile Community Spirit Awards, where Kathleen Harrison and Kenneth Billington, secretary and treasurer respectively of the Elland Silver Band were presented with ‘The Investment in the Community’ Award.

Father and daughter

The evening was hosted by Clair Frisby of BBC Look North, where Kathleen along with Megan and Bethan Plant represented the band.

Kathleen was thrilled to be announced as the winner along with her father Kenneth — both of whom have served the Elland Band for over 30 years.

Great honour

Kathleen told 4BR: "It was a great honour to receive the award, but it would not have been possible had it not been for all the people who had come through the ranks of the band over the last 30 years."

In 1983 Elland was about to fold but Kathleen and Kenneth stepped in to try to save it — the results of which can be seen today with an organisation that is the envy of bands all over the UK.

it is still a great honour to be working with them and with my father who is now almost 92 years of age, but still gets a great deal of pleasure seeing all sections of the band progressKathleen Harrison

Determined

Kathleen (above) added: "Sheer determination and a great desire for the long history of Elland Silver Band to continue were very important to this family, as connections with the band went back many years.

As the organisation has grown so has the administration and it has become almost a full time job , but it is still a great honour to be working with them and with my father who is now almost 92 years of age, but still gets a great deal of pleasure seeing all sections of the band progress."