YOUNGSTERS in West Mercia Police's youth band were right on the beat when they played at their first concert.

Members were given a gold award for their performance after travelling to Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire on Sunday, February 2 to play at its first entertainment contact hosted by Gloucestershire Brass Band Association.

The band, comprising 21 youth members and a couple of parent helpers, were one of five performing in the youth/unregistered section. To the delight of all players, the band achieved a gold award for the high standard of its performance.

Under the musical direction of David Taylor, the 20 minute long programme comprised something for all tastes; opening with Davoren’s ‘Get up! Go!’, followed by a moving tenor horn solo ‘Let me Try Again’ brilliantly performed by 15-year-old Rebecca Kerridge, Queen’s ‘Crazy Little Things’, the traditional hymn tune ‘Deep Harmony’ and closing with the upbeat theme tune ‘You know my name’ from the James Bond film ‘Casino Royale’.

Neil Kerridge, Youth Band manager, said: “The band is absolutely thrilled with their gold award. It is testimony to the hard work and commitment that our young players have put in over the past few months. I am very proud of their achievements and look forward to future opportunities.”

The band’s principal objective is to take music into the community and channel the energies of children into music. The youth band rehearse on the first Saturday of every month at West Mercia Police HQ, Hindlip Hall. Anyone interested in joining should contact Neil Kerridge on 07851 287955.