Cory's quest to retain the Welsh Regional Championship has been boosted by the return of their star euphonium player David Childs.

First time back

David has been building his strength up over the last few weeks and is set to attended his first rehearsal with Cory last night.

Band Chairman Austin Davies told 4BR: "Having David back fully fit in time for the Welsh Area is a massive lift for the whole band.".

David has been convalescing after some hernia repairs over the Christmas period.

I wasn't sure if I would be fit to play at the Area, but I've been building my practice up over the past few weeks and I really enjoyed last night's rehearsalDavid Childs

Great to be back

David told 4BR: "It's great to be back with the band. I've really missed playing and I've missed the friendly camaraderie in the bandroom too. I wasn't sure if I would be fit to play at the Area, but I've been building my practice up over the past few weeks and I really enjoyed last night's rehearsal."

MD Bob Childs had a number of contingency plans in place in case David wasn't fit enough to play, including playing the part himself.

Best outcome

However, Bob told 4BR: "This is by far the best outcome. David is one of the best euphonium players in the business and Eric Ball is one of his favourite composers. Having him back will give a real boost."

Bob and David were both quick to thank Matthew Jenkins, the band's second euphonium for doing a super job on solo euphonium in David's absence.

Austin Davies added: "Cory have great strength in depth but its really nice when a tip top player like David returns in such fine form after major surgery."