ONE of Hatherleigh Silver Band's younger players caught the eye of judges at a solo competition in Bideford recently, netting a prestigious cup for his talent.

Carol Woodason won the cup for the player with the most potential, while all of the four players from the band entered in the contest acquitted themselves well in classes of more than 20 competitors, a feat which musical director Adrian Edwards said boded well for the future.

The band entered their final contest of the year at Bugle in Cornwall this month and a good performance saw the musicians gain third place in their class. Helen Reddaway and Jim Reynolds were singled out for particular praise for their solo work in the test piece.

July sees a packed programme of performances for the players, starting on the evening of July 1 in Roborough. The band will play at the church fete in Hatherleigh Square on July 6 at 3pm, at Hatherleigh Festival in the town square on July 14, at Winkleigh Fayre on July 20 and at Ilfracombe Bandstand on July 28.