It was celebration time for members of Riverside Youth Band recently, as it won a prestigious local award.

The organisation, based in Inverclyde, was the recipient of the Live Music prize at the Greenock Telegraph Community Champion Awards.

Second time

It is the second time Riverside has won, having previously triumphed in 2017, and followed deliberations by a panel of judges including politicians, business leaders and other prominent figures from across Inverclyde.

The band also performed at the glittering awards ceremony in front of a packed audience at Greenock Town Hall, with the event hosted by Scottish television personality, Jennifer Reoch.

Inverclyde proud

Reflecting on the evening, MD Mark Good, commented: "We are so proud to be from Inverclyde, and enjoy representing the area wherever we go. But it was extra special to be able to take to the stage in front of a packed Greenock Town Hall for this wonderful event.

We're extremely grateful to the Greenock Telegraph for its continued support, shining a spotlight on our work as we strive to continue providing opportunities through music for young people across Inverclyde and beyond."

From the youngest to the most experienced, members of Riverside Youth Band perform with pride and professionalism when they don their RYB waistcoats and we're absolutely delighted that they have been recognised in this wayDuncan Galbraith

Scottish champions

The award win came in a successful year for Riverside, with its Youth and Training bands having both been crowned Scottish youth champions in Perth in November.

Band Chairperson Duncan Galbraith said: "Winning this award is a huge honour.

From the youngest to the most experienced, members of Riverside Youth Band perform with pride and professionalism when they don their RYB waistcoats and we're absolutely delighted that they have been recognised in this way."

Attention now turns to Riverside's summer concert, at which it will welcome special guest — and reigning Scottish champion, the cooperation band at Port Glasgow Community Campus on June 21st (7.00pm).