Llwydcoed Band has added a number of new signings to their ranks ahead of their Welsh Regional Championship challenge in Swansea in a few weeks time.

Former Cwmaman and City of Cardiff baritone player Steve Stonelake joins the Welsh League champion alongside Eb tuba player David Tutty. David is a member of The Band of the Prince of Wales Division and also enjoyed a spell with Jaguar Land Rover Band.

Experienced

Meanwhile, the experienced Lee Drew joins after enjoying a successful tenure at Tredegar, whilst Anwen Berryman comes in on percussion from Ammanford Band. Internal moves see Jan Brill fill the second trombone position and Lynne Turner move to second cornet.

Belgian principal

In a bold move, the band will also engage the talents of Lode Violet, the principal cornet of Brass Band Willebrook, who will be joined by compatriot Kris Binon for the contest, in a bid to claim one of the two qualification places on offer.

Lode is one of the rising stars of the cornet in Europe and we are extremely pleased to have secured such a classy player and also pleased to benefit from the experience Kris bringsLlwydcoed Band

Classy player

A spokesperson for the band added: "Lode is one of the rising stars of the cornet in Europe and we are extremely pleased to have secured such a classy player and also pleased to benefit from the experience Kris brings.

These are the final pieces of the jigsaw which will hopefully see us build on last year's Area result."