A Blackpool silver band strikes up its 25th birthday celebrations this month with the first of a series of rousing concerts.

Guardian Concert Band is tuning up for its appearance at St Annes United Reformed Church on February 24, with a programme including Proms favourites, to help launch the band's silver anniversary season in style.

Band spokeswoman, Fiona Sturrock, said the players are 'very proud' to have notched up a quarter century of music making, and are looking forward to a successful year.

"Our membership now stands at around 30 musicians, who travel from all over the North West to rehearse and perform," she said.

"We frequently have concerts in Lytham, St Annes and Blackpool and, during the summer months, we can be found entertaining the locals on St Annes bandstand, on club days or in Fleetwood gardens. During the winter we can often be found playing Christmas carols."

The band was started by staff at Lytham's Guardian Royal Insurance, in 1981. When the office closed, the band played on, switching rehearsals to Ansdell Institute, and taking on new players.

"There are all sorts of jobs and professions represented, including policemen, engineers, insurance advisers, civil servants, teachers -- and a few who are now retired," Fiona said.

"Players range in age from teenagers, to those who have had a lifetime's experience, playing all sorts of music from classical to big band and jazz."

The 25 years have brought highlights, such as visits to St Annes' twin town, Verne, and the Schutzenfest, the town's annual festival including 'consuming large quantities of sausage and beer', and the occasional lowlight.

Fiona explained: "Some summers ago the band set up in Avenham Park, Preston, and the entire audience consisted of 23 people and a dog. Not always the same 23 people, either. In fact, there were never more than five people at any point in time. It was freezing cold, raining hard and blowing a gale. Hardly the weather to sit on a deck chair and listen to music."

Brickbats aside, the band is looking forward to a fun season, and is planning an 'official' birthday concert later in the year.

Concerts already lined up include: March 25 at the Methodist Church, Fairhaven; May 5 at St Stephen's on the Cliffs, North Shore; and June 24, at Lytham Club Day.

Tickets for the February 24 concert, at St Annes URC, St George's Road, St Annes, cost £4 including refreshments. To book, telephone Mary Eatock on 724644, or pay on the door.

Log on to www.guardianconcertband.co.uk to find out more about joining or booking the band.