Grand Shield winners Flowers is looking towards making a significant mark at the British Open at Symphony Hall in Birmingham on the weekend thanks to a recent boost in personnel.

Signings

Dave Lee swaps his position as principal cornet of Swindon Pegasus Band to replace Ralph Rowden on second cornet, whilst Dave Aston returns on third cornet following a spell at Aldbourne to take over from Steve Houghton.

The moves add to the recent return of Will Norman on flugel horn, who replaces Joanne Childs, whilst former Aldbourne principal trombone Simon Ridge fills the vacant second trombone position.

Meanwhile, Max Ireland joins the percussion section after a spell with Cory whilst Carlton Sykes comes in on principal Eb tuba from Tongwynlais Temperance to join Tony Pemberton in a very strong new tuba team.

We are excited of course at the prospect of our British Open return, but also confident of making a real mark this yearBand Manager, Lee Downie

Excited

Band Manager Lee Downie told 4BR: "We are excited of course at the prospect of our British Open return, but also confident of making a real mark this year.

The band is certainly enjoying the wonderful test piece and is playing exceptionally well, and these latest signings add further strength in depth to our challenge."