Two intrepid tuba players from Northern Ireland have been undertaking a tuba tour with a difference recently.

Andrew Milligan (19) and Andrew Pentland (29), make up the Eb tuba section of 1st Old Boys Band and took to the road after being invited to play with bands in the UK and Europe.

Scotland

Andrew has already played with Bon Accord Band at the Scottish Championship this year and will perform with them once again at the Royal Albert Hall on the weekend at the National Final under the baton of fellow countryman Adam Cooke.

It's another entry on an impressive CV for the young player following his involvement with the Ulster Youth Orchestra and the European Youth Brass Band.

Netherlands

Meanwhile, Andrew, who is also an active member of the Sydenham SA Band in Belfast and is the Leader of the Ireland Divisional Youth Band of the Salvation Army, recently became the first resident Northern Ireland performer to play with the Household Troops Band of the Salvation Army.

He has just returned from a short tour to the Netherlands — adding to a European CV that has seen him notch up three appearances with three different bands at the European Championships Challenge Section contest.

It's also great for their development as players and the experiences gained are invaluable and so beneficial to us too1st Old Boys Band

Proud

Speaking about the travelling tuba duo, 1st Old Boys Chairperson, Nigel Hylands said: "We are very proud of our ambassadors and all our members who help others.

It's also great for their development as players and the experiences gained are invaluable and so beneficial to us too."