PROUD musicians from the Darwen District Scout and Guide Band have scooped top awards in their first competition - and celebrated with a barbecue!

Members of the band lived up to the challenge to come runners-up in the Manchester Counties Scout Band Championships.

Bandmaster David Walsh, of Ellison Fold Terrace, Darwen, praised the youngsters on their successful entry into the competitive arena and promised more of the same.

He said: "All the band members enjoyed the day and learned a lot. They did Darwen proud and all the contest judges commented on how good we were for our very first competition. We were praised for our turn-out and gave an outstanding performance on the display field. Everyone cheered us on."

The band won the St Mary's Parish Shield for runners-up in the bugle and trumpet section, the runners-up Shield, the Bill Rose Memorial Cup, and an attendance shield.

Following their first taste of success, the band are aiming to claim more silverware in September, when they compete at Davyhulme, Manchester.

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