AN EAST Lancashire Brigade has been chosen as the only British band to compete in an international competition -- but unless members raise a further £8,000 they cannot afford the trip.

The Darwen St James Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade has been invited to take part in the World Marching Show Band Championships in Brazil in August this year.

But the band, which is made up of 30 young members ranging from eight to 25 years, is appealing to businesses and the public to help them raise more funds to hit the total of £11,000 needed for flights and accommodation.

The group has so far managed to raise £2,500 through member donations and fundraising, including a lump sum from last year's Mayor's charity, but band master Paul Roberts said the trip cannot go ahead unless the full amount is raised.

He said: "We need the whole lot or we simply cannot go. We are asking for anyone to please help us. No matter how small a contribution it all adds up.

"The group are so excited and we have all been working so hard to get good enough to compete.

"It would be such a shame if that could not happen.I feel it would be a life-changing and educational event.

"It is fantastic that a band from Darwen can be involved in a prestigious world event such as this and I doubt they will get such an opportunity again."

The band has been training hard for the past year meeting on a Thursday and Sunday evening in St James Primary School with a range of instruments including bagpipes and a trumpet fanfare.

If the money is raised the band will arrive in Taubat, on the East coast of Brazil, near Sao Paulo, for the week-long competition, from August 6 until August 14, which is set to be the largest competition ever in Latin America.

Mr Roberts said the organisers had informed him the band were the only British contenders up against others from Nigeria, Thailand, Canada, Italy, Mexico and others.

After winning a 'novice standard' rating at a competition last year the brigade, which has been running for the past 80 years, moved up to 'contest standard' and was asked if it wanted to compete in this year's World championships.

Mr Roberts said: "It is so important to us and to others who will be proud of us representing our country.

"We think we will do a good job and if we do not go this country will not be represented at all.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Mr Roberts on 07768305097.