Aldbourne Band was placed first out of 15 in the West of England Regional Championships in Torquay on Saturday.

This means the band has a place at the national championships in Cheltenham in September.

The band, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, will now play in the top championship section.

It was a welcome return to contesting by the band which was last in contention for the national championships in 2009.

The success confirmed that under the direction of Royal Marine bandsman Dave Johnson, who took over earlier this year, the band is back on the championship trail.

The band’s next concert is on May 7, 7pm at the Theatre on the Hill, St John’s School. Tickets from Aldbourne Post Office or (01672) 540580.