THE hills of Rossendale have long been alive with the sound of brass band music.

But now the Valley's famous Scout Brass Band has plans to take its own unique sounds much further afield with the launch of its very own CD.

The recording, 'Rossendale Story,' features music with local themes specially written for the band by well-known composer Rodney Newton.

And the 60-strong band launched the CD, which was recorded at its HQ on Burnley Road, Bacup, at its annual concert at Bacup Leisure Hall yesterday.

Musical director Keith Farrington said: "The recording is historic. There has always been a strong brass band tradition in Bacup and we have included several pieces of music with local themes, such as pieces entitled Folly Clough, Ross Mill and Irwell Springs, which we hope will appeal to folk both within Rossendale and beyond." Michael Warwick, longstanding group leader for the 2nd Rossendale Scouts, also gets a mention on the album, which features the 'Warwick March,' written in his honour by Mr Newton.

Michael said: "We are going from strength to strength, Not only has this been musically important for the Scouts, they have learned a great deal about the recording business."

The band, which consist of young people from the age of seven upwards, is regarded as one of the UK's best Scout bands.

It regularly provides the music for the Remembrance Day service in Rawtenstall and has also distinguished itself in concerts at Westminster Abbey and on a tour of Holland.

During the recording session the youngsters were helped by leading soloist Mark Wilkinson, principal cornet player with the Foden's Band, and several artists from Todmorden Old Brass Band.

The CD and cassette will be on sale at the band's concert at Bacup Lesiure Hall on Sunday.

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