Haslingden & Helmshore Band has announced the appointment of a new principal cornet as they continue on their journey of rejuvenation.

Delighted

Sam Ball, who previously held the role of assistant-principal cornet with Wingates Band has joined with immediate effect, as a delighted MD Huw Thomas told 4BR.

"As soon as we heard Sam had relinquished the role to pursue a soloist position we acted very quickly. He is a wonderful player, so we decided to offer him the position of principal cornet.

Sam had played with us recently and had enjoyed the experience, so we were delighted when he accepted our offer."

There is a great deal of positivity and that has meant we are now attracting player's of Sam's quality. I really look forward to seeing him develop as a player with usMD, Huw Thomas

Better player

Sam himself added: "The lure of playing under Huw Thomas helped make my decision an easy one. The band is so friendly and I'm sure with the help of Huw I can become a much better player."

Huw meanwhile added: "The band is really heading in the right direction. There is a great deal of positivity and that has meant we are now attracting player's of Sam's quality. I really look forward to seeing him develop as a player with us."