Black Dyke has announced the signing of Connor Lennon as they new soprano cornet player.

Connor made his final appearance with Brighouse & Rastrick at the recent European Championships in Montreux and will join the Queensbury band with immediate effect. He will make his contest debut with the band at the Band of the Year contest in Manchester in June.

Talented

Black Dyke Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "Martin Irwin has been playing despite significantly increased work commitments and I can't thank him enough for his dedication and superb playing.

I was delighted to be able to secure the signing of Connor. He is such a talented performer who will also fit into the musical ethos of the band."

Meanwhile, principal cornet Richard Marshall added: "Martin has been a wonderful player for Black Dyke and we could have only had a player of Connor's ability to replace him.

Having known him for a number of years, his development into one of this country's finest soprano players is deserved and I welcome him to the band."

I was delighted to be able to secure the signing of Connor. He is such a talented performer who will also fit into the musical ethos of the bandProf Nicholas Childs

Thrilled

In response Connor commented: "I'm naturally thrilled to be joining Black Dyke and to work with Prof Childs, who I first met when I played at the Yorkshire Youth Band.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Prof King, David Thornton and everyone at Brighouse for helping me develop as a player and for their friendship over the last year."