Black Dyke has offered its best wishes to Gary Curtin after it was announced that he will be leaving the band to play with Foden's in 2017.

After six highly successful years at Queensbury, the 160 mile trip to each rehearsal has finally taken its toll on the popular Irishman who now lives near Sandbach.

Gifted

Black Dyke Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "Gary is a wonderful and gifted player and has provided Black Dyke with many memorable performances as an integral part of our success. He leaves the band with our best wishes for the future, both to him and his partner Leanne."

During that time Gary was part of the band that won the European, National, British Open, English and Yorkshire Championships and gained individual 'Best Instrumentalist' recognition at both the British Open and European Championships.

Gary is a wonderful and gifted player and has provided Black Dyke with many memorable performances as an integral part of our successProf Nicholas Childs

In action

Gary, who can still be heard in action with Black Dyke to the end of the year at concerts in Huddersfield (Friday 9th), Sheffield (Saturday 10th) and Queensbury itself (Thursday 15th) added: "When I arrived in the UK I quickly became an avid admirer of Black Dyke and when I was approached to be their principal euphonium it was something that will stay with me forever."

He added: "I have to thank Nick and the band members for their support over the last six years".

An announcement about Gary's successor will be made in due course.