PLAYING in one of the best brass bands in the country stirs the soul, makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and forms lifelong friends, according to Edward Tarling.

But the administrator for Leyland Brass Band, currently All England Masters Champions, said it also involves huge commitment, a professional attitude and one big financial headache.

Leyland Brass Band has struggled through years of wilderness which make Pete Postlethwaite's band's struggle in the celebrated film 'Brassed Off' look like a walk in the park.

The band, which began life as the works band for Leyland Motors, has a world-wide reputation.

It was the first UK brass band to tour Japan and Korea, it has made regular visits to the USA and has too many European tours under its belt to keep count off.

Yet, the band had a huge struggle for survival after the loss of its life-blood -- sponsorship from the once-giant Leyland motor company.

The band did gain sponsorship from BNFL and JJB Sports since, but these both ended, prompting a complete re-organisation of how it could financially support itself.

Edward said: "Without sponsorship, it was a different matter. The band has had to cut its cloth. Cuts had to be made to ensure the band's survival. The band's manager's salary was cut.

"The members had to adopt a more imaginative approach beyond that of a traditional brass band."

As part of the fall-out, the band lost members and concerts. Promoters would back out as they were unsure about booking them without a sponsor, just in case they folded.

Instruments could not be replaced and minor instrumental repairs had to be ignored.

Dry cleaning uniforms and their condition became a responsibility of the player and the need to look after instruments, which was always appreciated, now became crucial, Edward said.

To survive on the circuit, the band, which includes many East Lancashire players, chose to become more diverse.

It offered different sized bands to play anything from salon music, to cabaret and corporate functions as well as traditional brass band concerts.

Thankfully, the journey through these dark days was gloriously ended at the Corn Exchange in Cambridge in May when the band beat the twenty best brass bands in the country to become England Champions -- a victory "involving tears and grown men unable to speak" according to Edward.

Edward said: "The past years have been very hard and the band has struggled. The changes did affect confidence and we had to adopt a policy of consolidation after losing a number of star players.

"But we have come through it and now there is a glorious camaraderie in the band."

But even after coming through a time when it was on the brink of collapse, financial aid is still necessary.

The costs of running a brass band are huge. £30,000 is needed for uniforms. Brass instruments, from the humble cornet to the euphonium, range in price from £1,500 to £5,500. Percussion instruments cost up to £7,000. In total, to replace all the instruments would cost more than £220,000. Then there are cases, music stands, banners... the list goes on.

Edward said: "Top brass banding today is not a hobby. It entails massive commitment by the players and a total business and commercial outlook by those running the band.

"Now we are hoping that somewhere within Lancashire there are several people who would enjoy supporting financially such a terrific organisation through corporate or private sponsorship to ensure the success story can continue."

If you would like to help or hire Leyland Brass Band contact Edward Tarling on 01772 748349.