The Northop Band has announced the death of their highly respected former conductor Graham Jones.

The news was released shortly after the North Wales band had become the First Section Champion Band of Great Britain in Cheltenham and just a week after they had competed at the British Open Championships.

Success

Graham made his contest debut as conductor at the British Open Spring Festival in 1970 and led the band to considerable success over the following decades, including victories at the 1974 Senior Cup, as well as at the National Eisteddfod of Wales and Pontins.

Band Manager Carwyn Evans told 4BR: "We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Graham. He conducted the band with great distinction during a period of sustained success leading to promotion to the Championship Section.

Under his guidance many youngsters were inspired to play and progress, many through the East Clwyd Youth Band and ultimately to the Northop Band itself.

Influence

He added: "Graham was renowned for his musical approach and insistence upon tuning and intonation, the foundation for any good band. He did so much to develop brass playing within the area and his influence over generations of players is evident today.

The band is greatly indebted to Graham and our thoughts are with Sheena, Stewart and the family."