A SET of new instruments is on its way to Thornton Cleveleys Band after a generous handout from the National Lottery.

Chairman Andrew Swann was "over the moon" to receive confirmation that the band would receive a cash injection of £53,000, 90 per cent of the money asked for.

The remainder will come out of band funds which has been boosted by donations from 14 Fylde businesses.

Andrew, who also plays cornet, said: "A lot of preparation work went into the application and we got in a professional consultancy to tie up the loose ends. We wanted everything to be correct and it worked.

"The money will be used to buy 25 top quality instruments for the brass section, a box trailer to transport the larger instruments safely and various bits and bobs."

He added: "This is a major boost for us because some of the instruments are very old, one of our basses is more than 70 years old.

"Although they give off a reasonable sound, the edge comes off them the older they are.

"Our improver band will also benefit because members will now receive our old instruments."

The grant rounds off a successful year for the band, which has been going for 35 years.

In October it picked up first prize in the North West Area Preston District 4th section.

There is also a busy start to the year with a charity concert at Trinity Hospice, Bispham, on January 8 at 7.30pm and another on February 15 at Thornton Lecture Hall, Four Lane Ends, at 8pm.

Anyone aged seven to 70 who wishes to join the improver band can contact Andrew on 594339 or secretary Howard Midgeley on 823370.

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