A popular community band in Ryedale has had a great start to its fundraising for a new roof for its band room.

Swinton and District Excelsior Band provides free training for children and adults, as well local concerts, but their band room, a 19th century Methodist Chapel, urgently needs £40,000 for major repairs.

The work will also increase thermal efficiency see the installation of solar panels to help reduce energy costs and the band's commitment to improving the environment.

Secretary Tracey Popham said they had received a number of other offers of help including a donation of £2,000 from Galliford Try as part of their commitment to communities programme.

Tracey said: "Ian Conan, Mayor of Malton on hearing the band's plight has offered to do a sponsored run. He is going to be running between all the Band rooms in Ryedale - Swinton, Kirkbymoorside, Stape in Pickering and Malton then back to Swinton - on Sunday, May 5.

"An earlier fund-raising event is a light-hearted, illustrated talk on the colourful career of Lord Cardigan in the privileged society of the 19th Century. Rob Thompson, cartoonist, journalist, and military modeller will describe the extravagant life of an Hussar, and how corruption and incompetence led up to the disastrous Charge Of The Light Brigade. This is being held in the Bandroom, Middle Street, Swinton on Tuesday, March 26, at 7pm. Tickets are just £5 including refreshments and can be booked via secretary@swinton-band.com

Also in the pipeline is a 'Raise the Roof' concert whne Ryedale Voices Choir and Swinton Band will be joining together on Saturday, May 18, at 7pm in St Peter’s Church, Langton Road, Norton.

After hearing on Radio York of the band's appeal Alison Davis MD of numerous choirs wanted to help. The choirs Alison runs perform throughout the year for various local organisations and charities.

Alison said: “I thought this was an ideal opportunity for Ryedale Voices to help with the fundraising effort whilst collaborating with the band.”

Ryedale Voices is a mixed voice choir of 44, and rehearses in Norton on Tuesday evenings. The choir’s repertoire includes folk songs, musical theatre and spirituals and well as some well-known popular songs.

Both organisations will be doing a set each and will then join forces for a grand finale. Tickets for the 'Raise the Roof' concert are £10 for Adults and £5 for Children and will be available from both the choir and band members or by contacting secretary@swinton-band.com on 07874 746589 alison@singinginryedale.co.uk phone 07789 695165 .

To support Ian Conlan go to his Just Giving page ://www.justgiving.com/page/ian-conlan-1708417343638

Anyone else who would like to contribute to the fundraising should contact Tracey on 07874 746589 or email secretary@swinton-band.com