The Leyland Band has announced the appointment of Leon Renilson as its new principal cornet.

Leon is no stranger to the band, having occupied the end chair at Leyland five years ago.

Impressive career

Leon began his banding career at Elland Silver Band, before moving on to Hebden Bridge. From there he made the extraordinary leap to Black Dyke and was Principal Cornet at Kennedys Swinton Band when they won the British Open in 1989.

After a period away from banding, he returned to play for Sellers Engineering before joining YBS Band, where he enjoyed numerous contest successes and tours.

In 2003 Leon joined the Leyland band for the first time and lead the band to victory at the All England Masters that year.

I am enjoying being back home again. There is so much young and exciting talent around the stands. I am also strangely drawn to Australian conductors for some reasonLeon Renilson

X Factor

Musical Director Jason Katsikaris told 4BR: "I went to the Yorkshire Areas to hear Leon play and was bowled over by him. Players of his calibre do not come around very often. He has that X Factor – an exquisite sound and innate sense of style."

Enjoying being back

Leon meanwhile remarked to 4BR: "I am enjoying being back home again. There is so much young and exciting talent around the stands. I am also strangely drawn to Australian conductors for some reason."

Leon made his debut in concert with Leyland at King Georges Hall in Blackburn last weekend.