There was an additional award for Cory to celebrate at the recent Welsh Regional Championships in Swansea.

Not only did the band win Area title for the 32nd time, MD Philip Harper reclaim the winning conductor's trophy, horn star Ailsa Russell pick up the 'Best Instrumentalist' award and the bass team successfully defend the John Trotman Memorial Trophy as the 'Best Bass Section', but they were also presented with a special award from the Welsh Regional Council.

Unprecedented achievements

The framed certificate honoured the band's series of unprecedented successes over recent years, and in particular the winning of the European, British Open, National Championship of Great Britain and Brass in Concert titles in 2016.

Honoured

Philip Harper accepted the award on behalf of the band before the announcement of the results, and later told 4BR. "We are truly honoured to have been presented with this award for services to banding from the Welsh Regional Council.

It follows on the back of our record-breaking Grand Slam year in 2016, and the granting of the Freedom of the Borough of the Rhondda in a ceremony last week."

It gives us a real sense of pride when we perform around the world knowing that we have been recognised within Wales in this wayCory, MD Philip Harper

Thanks

He added: "This latest award feels very special as it is given from within our own local brass band community. It gives us a real sense of pride when we perform around the world knowing that we have been recognised within Wales in this way.

Our grateful thanks go to the Regional Committee and all brass band supporters across the Principality."