Leyland Band's renowned tuba player Bill Carter, was the recipient of their 'Patrons' Player of the Year' award presented at their recent matinee concert at Chorley Town Hall.

Bill joined Leyland in 1987 and has since occupied all four seats in the tuba section. After a number of years as principal EEb, he moved to principal BBb, being part of a band that has won the British Open, National Championship of Great Britain, Brass in Concert and North West Regional titles.

Flair

Over the past year, Bill has performed a number of concert solos and has built up a reputation for making the audience laugh with his humourous items. However, at Chorley he was keen to show the audience his technical flair by performing Bombastoso by H A Vander Cook — a crafty choice that swung the audience vote in his favour!

It's great to have a character like Bill in the band. His wealth of musical experience is second to none, and he is such a positive influence in terms of moraleLeyland Band spokesperson

Positive influence

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "It's great to have a character like Bill in the band. His wealth of musical experience is second to none, and he is such a positive influence in terms of morale.

We are all pleased that his contribution has been formally recognised, but more importantly we are glad it will give him something else to talk about other than when Wigan Athletic won the FA Cup!"