The Aldbourne Band has received a welcome financial boost thanks to the fantastic work undertaken by their 'Friends'.

At their recent June concert they were presented with a cheque for £2,511, which had been raised by members of the 'Friends of Aldbourne Band' after they had spent their hard earned cash at local Co-operative stores during the past six months.

Local community fund

As part of the Co-op's 'Local Community Fund' initiative which had nominated the 'Friends' as their charity, it meant the band was presented with financial boost by Co-op store manager, George Lovelock.

'Friends' secretary Gavin Dixon told 4BR: "We are really grateful to the Co-op for their generosity. The band is totally self-funding and any help towards purchasing instruments means we can then pass on the old ones to members of the Youth Band."

We are really grateful to the Co-op for their generosity. The band is totally self-funding and any help towards purchasing instruments means we can then pass on the old ones to members of the Youth BandGavin Dixon

Youth awards

The concert, conducted by MD David Johnson, consisted of a programme of music by the late Gordon Langford with solos from horn player Simon Jones, euphonium Ed Latham.

The Aldbourne Youth and Junior Bands also contributed to a highly enjoyable occasion with 'Blue Moon', whilst three youngsters were also presented with awards for their playing and progress.