Following the departure of cornet player Tom Neville, Derwent Brass has announced that the talented Nick Lear has joined the Midlands band with immediate effect.

12 years at top

Nick comes from local rivals Leicestershire Co-operative, where he played principal cornet for 12 years and was an integral part of the band that rose from the Third to the Championship Section, collecting numerous soloist prizes en route.

His last performance for the band came at the Senior Trophy at the Spring Festival in Blackpool, with his first for Derwent as they took to the stage for their recent 'Stage and Screen' concert.

I'm delighted Nick has joined us. He is clearly a very talented player with a hard working attitude that blends in perfectly with our ambitious team ethosDerwent Brass MD, Keith Leonard

Talented

Musical Director Keith Leonard told 4BR: "I'm delighted Nick has joined us. He is clearly a very talented player with a hard working attitude that blends in perfectly with our ambitious team ethos.

Attracting players of this standard significantly increases the flexibility of the section and I wish Nick a very long and enjoyable stay."