The 1st Old Boys Silver Band made the ideal start to their preparations for their forthcoming appearance in the Challenge Section of the European Championships in Montreux by claiming first prize at the recent Northern Ireland Brass Band League Spring Festival contest in Strabane.

Not only did they capture the Championship Section honours from adjudicator Sheona White, but their solo euphonium Alan Haworth took the 'Best Soloist' prize with the trombones taking the 'Best Section' award.

Winning debut

It was also a winning debut for their new principal cornet Louise Bell.

The talented 16 year old was recently appointed to the top seat having come up through the ranks of the 1st Old Boys Youth Band, and was understandably delighted at being able to help lead the band to success.

Louise told 4BR: "It's a great honour to become principal cornet and to start off with a great win. I can't wait for the Europeans: I've played there before with the senior band on repiano but this will be something else!"

It won't be the first time Louise has led from the front at the European event though, as she was the principal cornet pof the 1st Old Boys Youth Band at the Youth Championships in Ostend in 2017.

Louise is a lovely, polite youngster who just happens to be a stunning player with an amazing 'traditional' cornet sound1st Old Boys Silver Band.

Stunning player

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Louise is a lovely, polite youngster who just happens to be a stunning player with an amazing 'traditional' cornet sound.

The Old Boys couldn't be prouder to give our 'Young Girl' the reins going on stage at the Euros."