Whitwell Brass has been donated £8,500 courtesy of the 2008 Louise Smalley Walk.

Eighty people, including many members of the band completed the 41 mile walk in June, and the band's principal cornet player, David Wheatley even managed to complete 100 miles in less than 24 hours.

Well spent

Band Secretary, Paul Wood told 4BR: "The money will be spent on new instruments for the band which will release older instruments for the beginner classes which take place each Saturday morning."

The walk is an annual event in memory of Louise Smalley, a little girl who when she was born in 1992 was given days to live because of a heart defect. She defied the odds to live for thirteen months, during which time she even beat meningitis.

The money will be spent on new instruments for the band which will release older instruments for the beginner classes which take place each Saturday morningSecretary Paul Wood

Worth it

Band member Ryan Stacey added: "The Louise Smalley Walk is definitely the most challenging thing I have ever undertaken, but when you fully understand the history and tradition behind the event, and that you are suffering the blisters and muscle strains to support a local organisation, it makes it all worth while."

Premiere

As part of the announcement ceremony, Whitwell gave the world premiere of 'Suite in Eb', conducted by Stan Lippeatt. The band commissioned MD, David Fretwell to compose the work as part of a successful grant application at the start of the year.

The piece paints a musical picture of the village from its foundation over 1000 years ago to the well dressing celebrations, a tradition that continues to this day.