The Cory Band will be officially presented with the Freedom of the Borough of the Rhondda at a concert in Aberdare in March.

As reported on 4BR, it follows the unanimous approval of the Council to honour Cory for its unprecedented achievements in 2016, and sees the world's number 1 ranked band now join a select group in being granted the honour.

Extraordinary service

A council spokesman said: "Rhondda Cynon Taf has a proud record of recognising and honouring those who have given extraordinary service to the county borough and has a well-established tradition of conferring the Freedom of the Borough on worthy candidates.

This accolade is highly prestigious and is intentionally awarded scarcely to preserve its importance."

Very proud

Cory Band Trustee Neil Blockley, added: "We are very proud as an organisation to receive the Freedom of the Borough on behalf of all current and past members of the Cory Band. Our proud Rhondda history dates back to 1884 when we were first formed as the Ton Temperance Band.

Our last award from the local authority was the Rhondda Recognition Award which was presented by Harry Mortimer in 1974 following the band's first win at the National Championships of Great Britain."

Significant

He added: "This recognition 43 years later is just as significant as that first major win. The current band has just completed an unprecedented 'Grand Slam' year and in the process notched up a decade as the number one ranked band in the world.

In the last three years we have also toured Australia and USA representing the Borough and Wales, meeting many Rhondda expats who are just as proud of the band. Closer to home, and supported by Arts Council of Wales, we toured Wales in 2016 as part of an audience development project."

Our last award from the local authority was the Rhondda Recognition Award which was presented by Harry Mortimer in 1974 following the band's first win at the National Championships of Great BritainNeil Blockley

Greater heights

Neil concluded: "Everyone associated with Cory would like to thank Rhondda Cynon Taff Council for this award.

We join a very select group and as we continue to reach even greater heights we do so in the knowledge that our continued efforts are recognised and appreciated by the residents and councillors of the Borough."