THERE was a Christmas surprise in store for a member of Hatherleigh Silver Band recently, when he was given a special tribute to mark his long service to the band.

Jim Reynolds, who plays tenor horn, was presented with a tankard in recognition of 50 years making music with the band.

He said he was ?very surprised? at the presentation.

?I was speechless really ? and it?s not very often I don?t have anything to say!? he said.

Jim was only ten years old when he started his long musical career.

?I was always very musical and it was just one of those things I was able to start. Then time went on and on, you keep doing it and before you know it, here I am,? he said.

Jim said during his time with Hatherleigh Silver Band he had played just about every instrument except the trombone.

He still plays drums now, when personnel are required.

?In a band like ours you have to have one or two people who can step in and do these things,? said Jim, though he admits his favourite instrument is the tenor horn.

?It?s the link between the big and the small,? he said.

Jim has played at many different events and performed many different types of music in the last 50 years, but said he loves performing in concerts, particularly those at Christmas.

He and the band also perform in several competitions every year.

?That?s when you have to take the music really seriously!? he said.

Serious competition or fun concerts, Jim said he has no intention of retiring, despite admitting to a few grey hairs now.

?I still enjoy it and as long as I do, I shall continue ? it?s a superb hobby,? he said.

Musical director Adrian Edwards said Jim had ?no idea? that the presentation would be made at the concert.

?Fifty years ? it?s quite remarkable really,? said Mr Edwards.