Elland Silver Youth Band has just returned from its latest representative appearance at the European Youth Brass Band Championship in Malmo.

The band performed superbly in the Development Section to gain third place against outstanding opposition from Norway, Italy, Lithuania and Germany, as well as rivals from England and Wales.

Incredible experience

Speaking to 4BR, MD, Samantha Harrison said: "Our young musicians enjoyed an incredible experience and were overjoyed at gaining third place against such incredible bands.

The standard of playing from everyone in the contest was amazing and our congratulations go to the winners Smoras Skolemusikk from Norway. They are a real inspiration to us."

Supporter thanks

Sam also took the time to thank the local Elland community and supporters who helped get them to Sweden.

"It is an honour to represent your country, but it does mean a great deal of fund raising. Families are under great pressure at present so the support from organisations and individuals was invaluable. We can't thank them enough — and we even had a little help from above!"

That came from one of their keenest supporters — the Rev. Canon Hilary Barber of Halifax Minster, who is President of the Elland Band organisation but also plays the tuba too in the organisation's community ensemble.

They met all the challenges that came their way. All that and then they performed on stage with such joy and pride. I had a tear in my eye on more than one occasion!MD, Sam Harrison

Minster grounds

Just before the band left to travel to Malmo he was joined by Ben Cooper and Andrew Naylor to have quick inspirational blow in the Minster grounds.

The band was made up of players aged 10 — 18 years, with many of the musicians not only enjoying their first European experience, but also enjoying their first ever trio outside the UK.

"They met all the challenges that came their way,"Sam added. "All that and then they performed on stage with such joy and pride. I had a tear in my eye on more than one occasion!"