Band launches fundraising appeal to get to national championships

Gawthorpe Brass Band's senior section has been invited to represent Yorkshire at the National Brass Band finals in Cheltenham in September.

It is the first time the band has made the finals in more than two decades.

But members say they need to raise funds to be able to go and compete.

The cash will cover the cost of transport and accommodation.

A Crowdfunding page set up for the band reads: "After 21 years of trying our senior band are delighted to be crowned as the 4th section Champions of Yorkshire in March 2018.

"As a result of this fantastic achievement, we have been invited to represent Yorkshire at the National Brass Band finals which take place on 15th September in Cheltenham.

"We need to raise about £8000 in total to enable us to go and all of this money will be spent on transport and accommodation fees.

"We are completely self-financing as an organisation and we would be hugely grateful for any donation, however small, that you are able to make."

The organisation, formed in 1985, has a senior band, youth band, training band, music club, music workshop and beginners club - and is made up of around 150 members.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gawthorpebrass85