MEMBERS of Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band set out bright and early on Saturday, June 8 to take part in the 23rd solo and quarter contest held by Bideford Town Band.

This year's competitions saw double the number of contestants than last year, with players coming from as far away as North Wales and Gloucestershire to take part. The adjudicators on the day were Gareth Churcher and Gary Taylor, who are both well known in the banding world.

The contest is broken down into age groups and Okehampton had players in several of the categories, from the slow melody aged nine and under category, right through to the quartet 18 and over category. The youngest participant from the band was Tarrin Kirk, aged eight.

Jessica Alexander, aged eleven, came second in the 12 and under category and James Alexander, aged 15, played in a quartet which came second in the Quartet 18 and over category.

New players are always welcome at the training band which meets every Tuesday at 7.15pm in the band room on Market Street. No experience is necessary and instruments can be borrowed.

The Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band is always keen to welcome new players and meets every Monday and Thursday from 7.30pm to 9.00pm at the band room.

The band expressed thanks to Cathy Lovegrove and David Allin, Adrian Edwards and Robyn Parton for their help with training and accompanying on piano.