The well known Dobson banding family were recently asked by the Southwest BBC news programme 'Spotlight' to be interviewed ahead of the West of England Regional Championships in Torquay.

The programme was interested to hear about the many generations of families that have taken part in brass banding in their area — and the Dobson family in particular, who have strong links with Bodmin Band.

Great publicity

Dave Dobson told 4BR: "We were asked if we would like to be featured, and with the Area Championships on the horizon it was great publicity for our band and the event.

They were also keen to tell the mythical tale of 'The Mermaid of Zennor' test-piece, so it turned out to be a great experience for everyone concerned."

We were asked if we would like to be featured, and with the Area Championships on the horizon it was great publicity for our band and the eventDave Dobson

Live broadcast

The programme filmed the family and the band in rehearsal before they invited Dave, Julie and Julie's daughters Cathryrn, Charlotte and Alina to the studio to appear live on the show — including the group playing a short piece themselves to round off the broadcast.