Black Dyke's soprano player Martin Irwin has told 4BR that he is looking forward to the British Open in Birmingham next month following his concert return to the high-wire seat last weekend with the band.

And although he did reveal to 4BR that he has never quite lost touch with soprano playing over the years, this will be the first time that he has taken on the role on a permanent basis with the Queensbury band.

"I played sop with Brighouse on three separate occasions in the past, so it's always been in the blood so to speak,"he said.

"That's why I'm really looking forward to it this time, especially as there's some great music to look forward to at the British Open and National Finals."

Tribute

Martin also paid tribute to former Dyke sop player Benjamin Richeton, and to Ronnie Tennant at Band Supplies who delivered a number of leading instrument brands to him to try before he made his choice of a Stomvi.

"Ben will be a hard act to follow, as he was such a cool performer under pressure.

Prof Childs instinctively knew I would be interested in taking over as I've doubled up on a few occasions when two sop parts were needed and occasionally depped, so as soon as I told him yes, Band Supplies had delivered the instruments for me to try out."

Prof Childs instinctively knew I would be interested in taking over... so as soon as I told him yes, Band Supplies had delivered the instruments for me to try outMartin Irwin

Stomvi choice

He added: "My thanks go to them for enabling me to take my time making my choice. Each instrument had its strengths, but I was particularly impressed with the Stomvi, which responded immediately to the way I played.

I enjoyed my first outing at the recent concert in Glastonbury Abbey, and now it's down to some hard practice for the British Open."