The Rainford Band has been busy preparing for their forthcoming appearance at the Grand Shield contest in Blackpool this weekend under the baton of Chris Houlding.

Chris has kindly stepped in to take the band as MD, Sarah Groarke-Booth is unavailable following her casting in a new stage touring adaption of 'Jane Eyre'.

Sarah has spent the last few months performing the role in Scarborough, and will continue the tour as it moves to Stoke this week. Although frustrated at being unable to make her Grand Shield debut, this was an opportunity (her primary job being an actor), that she could not turn down.

Flown over

Band Chairperson Geoff Hunter told 4BR that the band was extremely fortunate to have secured the services of Chris who has flown over from Germany for the occasion.

"He has such a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we have benefitted hugely from his arrival,"he said.

Chris has been working in tandem with Andrea Price on the preparation of Peter Graham's 'Dynasty'.

Geoff added: "We can't thank Andrea enough for her expert input as she swops one stick for many more, as she will be performing with the band in the percussion section for the contest."