BLACKPOOL Brass are all set for national recognition this year when they make their debut appearance on the big screen.

The band will appear in the opening credits of a brand new comedy film called The Parole Officer which stars inventive comedian Steve Coogan, famous for reducing viewers to tears of laughter with his Alan Partridge and Paul Calf characters, to name but two.

Blackpool Brass secretary Lorraine Pritt said the band, which was established in 1966, filmed the opening scenes late last year after the director specifically requested the band.

Lorraine said: "Originally they wanted the camera to pan down the Promenade and follow the band as they perform Jerusalem, but it is quite a difficult song to play so in the end they filmed us playing as we stood still on the Prom."

Other successes of the year 2000 involved performing at the Royal Lancashire Show and the World Tug of War Championships, and to cap off the year Blackpool Brass have welcomed a brand new conductor to the ranks.

Graham Smith, a teacher from Leyland, has come on board to lead the 28-strong band because Sandy Blair, the previous musical adviser, was travelling to Blackpool from Crewe for rehearsals and he decided the journey was too much.

Lorraine said: the band is very lucky to have engaged the services of Graham, who was formerly with Eccleston Band, but added they are still looking for a soprano and a bass/solo trombonist. Blackpool Brass rehearse on Tuesday and Friday nights at Bethesda Church, Grasmere Road, Blackpool between 8-9.45pm. If you are interested call Lorraine on 890436.