IN 1882 the first shop in the world was lit by electric light, the London Chamber of Commerce met for the first time....and Blackburn's very own Salvation Army Band was established.

Now, 120 years later, members have discovered a picture of the band's original line-up to help with the anniversary celebrations.

The 1890 black and white shot has been kept in the family of the first ever Blackburn bandmaster, Jim Abram for 12 decades.

Jim's granddaughter, Irene Dixon, who lives in Kendal, provided the Blackburn band with a copy of the picture and will be along side many other guests at the celebrations.

Charles Fry and his sons formed the first Salvation Army band in 1878. The success of this innovation led to official sanction for the development of Salvation Army bands nationally.

The Blackburn Salvation Army Band was established under Captain David Gilbard in March 1882.

The first reference was made in the Blackburn Times in October of that year, which reported, "They succeeded in disturbing the response of a good many slumbers by the not so musical sounds omitted from large and small drums, tambourines, trombones, concertinas and various other musical instruments."

The bold brass band has come a long way and played an important part in the life and times of Blackburn.

It has represented the town by visiting many different parts of the country as well as travelling abroad to give concerts and services.

The band has an impressive travel portfolio, with tours as far as Amsterdam, Denmark, Sweden, Guernsey, Portugal and Jersey representing the town. The band currently has 27 members who play regularly in different parts of the town and country.

Bandmaster of the Salvation Army Band, Vicar Street, Eric Millest who assumed the role 15 years ago says his most memorable times were when he visited Portugal and Jersey.

Mr Millest, of Columbia Way, Blackburn, said: "There have been many unforgettable years but going abroad has been the event that has stuck in my memory.

"Knowing that I am part of something so special and something with so much history is fantastic.

"We have kept various pictures of different bands throughout the years as a keepsake for future band members to look at so they can feel part of the long history of the band."

The Mayor and Mayoress, John and Sheila Williams have been invited as guests of honour at the band's 120th Anniversary celebrations to be held today at 7pm at the Salvation Army Church, Vicar Street, Blackburn.

Members of the public are invited to the event.

Mr Millest added: "Former members of the band are travelling back to join us from all over the country.

"And it will be good to see many old friends, in addition to having a reunion band of 60 players."