The experienced conductor David Ashworth has told 4BR that he has taken the decision to resign his role as MD of the Horwich RMI Band with immediate effect after taking up the opportunity in the last few weeks.

Difficult decision

"It's been a difficult decision as they are a great bunch of people with a real determination to rebuild.

However at present I cannot offer them the amount of time required to do this successfully.

I wish them all the very best, but it has shown me once again that the future of the banding movement is precarious at present with a real shortage of players."