There was coverage of the British Open Championship in Birmingham on the BBC on the weekend — although it came from a somewhat unexpected source.

The Test Match Special commentary team was heard plugging the event and its support for Black Dyke Band as they covered the England men's test match against Pakistan at Edgbaston.

With the game heading for an early finish on the Friday the commentators discussed what they could do over the weekend in Birmingham.

Prompt

Prompted by an e-mail from Catherine Cross of Putney & Wimbledon Band, presenter Jonathan Agnew, who also plays euphonium with Melton Band suggested a trip to Symphony Hall to hear the contest.

Agnew revealed that the BBC team was in fact staying at the same hotel as Black Dyke Band and had shared breakfast with some of the players. Having cheekily being asked if he wanted to play as a 'sub', he wished the Queensbury band all the best for the contest.

Positive

The former England fast bowler continues to promote brass bands in a positive light and earlier this Summer met up for a lesson with euphonium soloist Steven Mead.

He also recently partnered singer Lesley Garrett for a performance of 'Jerusalem' at a Prostate Charity function lunch.

A video clip of the performance has since been posted on the Bob Willis Fund Facebook page.