THE Aldbourne Band has won the first section of the west of England Regional Championships.

The music ensemble fought off competition from 11 other bands from all over the west at the Riviera Centre, Torquay.

They played Comedy Overture, by John Ireland, and scored 190 points out of 200, beating the second placed band by two clear points.

Speaking of the Aldbourne Band's performance, competition judge John Maines said: "Overall, an excellent show; well directed and always musical."

The result guarantees the musicians' return to the Championship Section, the highest national grading, for 2006's West of England Championships.

And Aldbourne will now represent the west at the national finals in Harrogate in September to compete for the First Section National title against the winners and runners-up of the other seven regions across the country.

Band chairman James Sheppard said: "This is a well deserved victory which reflects the commitment and calibre of players within the band.

"We are delighted to have been invited to represent the west of England at the National Championships in September and are looking forward to many new and exciting challenges ahead."

The Aldbourne Band will perform with the Kentwood Choir in the Devizes Corn Exchange on April 23

Tickets are available from the Corn Exchange on 01380 722160.