After a year of high profile success as Resident Conductor of Brighouse & Rastrick, Leigh Baker has announced that he is relinquishing the role to become Musical Director at Hepworth Band.

Although the move will officially take place in January, Leigh will be take Hepworth at a number of seasonal concerts whilst also continuing to lead Brighouse in their busy Christmas calendar.

Amazing year

"I've had an amazing year at Brighouse with so many highlights and I would like to thank the band for some very special moments,"Leigh told 4BR.

"The overall Whit Friday Saddleworth victory, a Brass in Concert podium spot and so many high profile concerts will remain personal highlights. I'm also excited about the imminent release of the 'Baker's Dozen"CD that the band recorded earlier in the year."

He added: "The Hepworth post is a chance to really spread my wings and I will take full responsibility for all contest and concert performances as well as continuing to build on their recent excellent run of form. It's an exciting time for the band and it was just too good an opportunity for me to turn down."

Great work

Commenting on his departure, Brighouse & Rastrick Band Manager Alan Morrison told 4BR: "We are really sorry to lose Leigh, but recognise the great work he has done for us this year, and accept that his new appointment is a superb opportunity to further his career in several directions.

We wish him every success and hope it will not be the last association he has with his beloved purple and gold. We look forward to playing his new arrangements and still working with him regularly in the future."

We're delighted that Leigh has accepted the role. It feels to be the perfect match as we look to build on the solid foundations laid by Mark PeacockHepworth Band.

Perfect match

Meanwhile, Hepworth spokesman Dave Horan added: "We're delighted that Leigh has accepted the role. It feels to be the perfect match as we look to build on the solid foundations laid by Mark Peacock.

We'd like to thank Mark for his work over the last two years and we wish him every success."