Three members of Chalford Band survived a multiple car crash and still went on to play their part in a prize winning performance at Pontins on the weekend.

Pile up

Cornet player Kelly Brazneill was driving up the M6, with soprano Hannah Godwin and her sister, flugel horn Katie as passengers, when her car was involved in a six vehicle pile-up near Stoke-on-Trent.

Write off

The car was a write-off but the three lucky girls escaped with no more than whiplash injuries and shock. After a family rescue plan was successfully carried out they got to the holiday camp only an hour late for the main pre-contest rehearsal.

We felt we were on a mission to do well after what happenedThe Chalford trio

Rest

After a quick rest, the next day they helped Chalford to claim 3rd place in the First Section on Eric Ball's 'Wayfarer' and claim £700 — icing on the cake after a fraught journey to the contest.

Mission

"We felt we were on a mission to do well after what happened," said Hannah and Katie's relieved mum, solo horn, Beverly Godwin.

The band's kit percussionist, 12-year-old Jordan Grant, added to the sense of celebration by winning the youngest player award.