Flixton Band has welcomed new players in time for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool next month.

Joining on Eb Bass from Ilkeston Brass is James Mellor, currently a music student at the University of Salford. Alongside James, will be Janet Elliot, herself a Salford graduate and a music teacher. James and Janet will join Sam Oliver and Danny Abbott to complete the bass section for the contest.

We are hoping that, with the addition of our new members, Flixton will be able to achieve promotion to the second section for 2009 as well as that all important finals invitationMD Iain McKnight

Welcome return

Making a welcome return to assist the band at Blackpool are Tim Paton and Jenny Patel, both former members of Flixton, who join Karen Armfield to form the band's percussion section.

Flixton's 'area' line up is completed by the signing of Joe Monck on 1st trombone. Joe is also a Salford graduate, but has a jazz background and is a newcomer to competitive banding! He is currently training to be a music teacher alongside the band's Musical Director, Iain McKnight.

Warm welcome

Commenting on the signings, Iain told 4BR: "I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new players, and hope that they will enjoy being a part of our successful team. We are hoping that, with the addition of our new members, Flixton will be able to achieve promotion to the second section for 2009 as well as that all important finals invitation!"