One of the most respected principal cornet players in the north-east banding movement has decided to retire after 14 years of dedicated service.

The immensely popular Dennis Todd of Easington Colliery Band will step down from the role which will now be undertaken by Daniel Robson.

Prize winning tenure

Dennis spent many years playing in his local Salvation Army band in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, only coming to competitive banding much later with first Greggs Bakery and then Easington Colliery.

During his top-man tenure he won numerous contest and solo prizes with many an adjudicator impressed by his tone and technique.

Tireless

A spokesperson told 4BR: "He has travelled nearly an hour each way to every rehearsal and the band will always be extremely grateful for his tireless work and dedication. He was recently made an honorary member of the band and will still play with Easington when his schedule permits.

He has decided to join his local Newbiggin Band, for which his grandson plays cornet, and we are sure that he will inspire the next generation of Northumberland brass players."

He has travelled nearly an hour each way to every rehearsal and the band will always be extremely grateful for his tireless work and dedicationEasington Colliery Band

Fantastic reputation

The band has now welcomed their new principal cornet, who has just moved back to the north-east, with their spokesperson adding: "Daniel has played with various top bands such as Grimethorpe, Desford and Cory, and has gained a fantastic reputation as a player.

We wish him all the very best and we are sure that he will join an elite group of legendary cornet players, such as Dennis, to have sat in the end chair at Easington."

New signings

In addition, the band has announced the signings of Gavin Brown (cornet), Stuart Cockerill (baritone), Stephen Perry (horn), Richard Mason (Bb tuba) and Michael Mason (soprano) in time for their next contest appearance.