One National Final qualifying band has already progressed far along the financial road to Cheltenham.

Thanks to the amazing cycling efforts of Lesley Wilkinson, the mother of conductor Lewis, the North Skelton Band is over £1,000 closer to its fund-raising target.

Taking to the saddle

Lesley recently took to the saddle to ride from London to Paris, and returned home (by train) to be welcomed by the band playing on the platform of the station as she got off.

Band Secretary Josie Coupland told 4BR: "We are all so grateful to Lesley on her achievement — it was simply fantastic. She deserves a long rest now."