ONE of the oldest brass bands in the world is going under the hammer.

Musicians with the Besses o'th' Barn Brass Band, based in Bury, have put themselves up for sale on the eBay web auction site in a bid to raise funds to ensure the band's future.

Band Sergeant Dave Aston said: "Because we are a voluntary organisation, we need to come up with novel ideas to keep going and the idea of going on the internet auction site came up at a committee meeting."

The band, which dates back to 1818, is hoping people will log on to the website and sponsor individual musicians.

In return, successful bidders will be displayed on the bands roll of honour, listed on its web page at www.besses.co.uk and receive regular updates on the band's activities.

In addition, sponsors will be given tickets to attend a concert free of charge.