A MUSICAL picture of Rossendale is being put on compact disc this weekend by the 2nd Rossendale Scout Group Band.

They are recording Rodney Newton's specially commissioned piece, Rossendale Story: Four Pictures of a Lancashire Valley.

Mr Newton, a London musician and composer, has previously penned The Warwick March, a tribute to the scout leader Michael Warwick.

The latest commission forms part of the group's Lottery bid for new instruments for use by the younger members in the junior and training bands.

Mr Newton, who attended band rehearsals, said: "The four salient features of Rossendale which I picked out were the cotton trade, its natural beauty, local characters and brass bands." The piece draws on Rossendale at the turn of the century.

There is a section on Ross Mill, one of the largest and longest serving mills in the Valley; an affectionate portrait of Lolly Penny, a local character described as a few sandwiches short of a picnic; a part inspired by the beauty spot Folly Clough and another on the triumphant home-coming of Irwell Springs Band after their 1905 victory at the National Open competition at Crystal Palace.

As well as creating the CD, the band is also featured in a video being made free of charge by the Regency Video company.

The CD/tape will be available after Easter. Anyone wanting to order a copy can contact Mr Warwick on 01706 877913 or Graham Helm on 01706 875819.

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