IT WAS a tuneful success for an East Lancs brass band when they secured a top-three place at the National Brass Band Championships in October 1975.

Todmorden Old Brass Band came third in the fourth section of the competition, which was held at Hammersmith Town Hall in London, with an impressive score of 182 out of 200.

It was the first time the current players had taken part in the championships, with previous members managing to win the competition at Crystal Palace in 1923.

Secretary, Dorothy Cooper, said: "All the bands taking part were placed in earlier championships and there was a very high standard.

"We are delighted with our success."

The band, who were conducted by Mr W.H.Exley, were judged on how well they played the Salzburg Suite by Denis Wright.

Following the competition the players went forward to compete in the third section of the 1976 championships.

Twenty four bands competed at the championships in 1975 and Todmorden were denied the top spot in their section by the North Skelton and District Band from County Durham.

But it was Black Dyke Mills Band from Queensbury near Halifax who managed to walk away with the winners trophy, for the eighth time.