British Open champion Grimethorpe Colliery has announced the signing of Dave Nichols as fourth solo cornet with immediate effect.

He joins after relinquishing his soprano cornet position at Yorkshire rivals Hammonds Saltaire.

Exciting

Dave told 4BR: "I'm really looking forward to joining such a great band. The opportunity to work with Dr Robert Childs and play alongside such a talented group of world class musicians is really exciting — especially as part of a cornet section led by Roger Webster."

He added: "I've enjoyed five amazing years playing soprano with Hammonds Saltaire and would like to publicly thank Morgan Griffiths and the band for all their support, friendship and wonderful memories during that time."

Final piece

Grimethorpe Principal cornet, Roger Webster added: "'We asked Dave to do a couple of concerts at the start of this year, and the performances he gave and commitment he showed meant that we wanted to offer him the seat.

He adds the final piece to what is now a very strong cornet section for the forthcoming contesting year."

He adds the final piece to what is now a very strong cornet section for the forthcoming contesting yearRoger Webster

Brilliant player

Co-Principal Cornet Jamie Smith added: "I have known Dave from my time at Hammonds, and he is a great friend of mine as well as a brilliant player. I'm sure that he will bring a lot to the section, and I look forward to working with him again."