The Fairey Band has swooped to sign former Black Dyke star Martin Irwin as their new soprano player.

And MD Garry Cutt believes that his arrival from Queensbury to Stockport will gives Fairey an extra competitive edge as they look towards the Band of the Year contest in Manchester in a month's time.

Well worth it

"We've been looking for some time for a top class player who could offer us the musical experience and quality required at the very highest level,"Garry said. "And it's been well worth the wait."

Having spoken with him we both feel this is an ideal permanent move and I believe it gives us the extra cutting edge we have been looking forMD, Garry Cutt

Cutting edge

He added: "Martin is a bandsman who has always given 100% with whichever band he has played for — and his CV is testament to his class.

Having spoken with him we both feel this is an ideal permanent move and I believe it gives us the extra cutting edge we have been looking for.

It's a great signing and I know he is really excited about this and views it as an exciting new chapter in his banding career having played all his life on the other side of the Pennines!"