A TEENAGE percussionist is to take part in a six-hour 'drumathon' to raise funds for the band he plays in.

Jason Austin, who is 15, is the youngest member of Malton White Star Band.

Like most organisations the band has suffered a loss of income over the last 18 months due to the covid lockdown because it hasn't been able to do the usual fundraising performances for local shows, markets etc.

Pat France, Musical Director , said: "We have still had the expenses of rent, insurance, utilities and more so our funds have been depleted.

"We want to keep providing free tuition and free loan of instruments for all the local community.

"Our youngest band member, percussionist Jason has shown the initiative to do a 'drumathon' on Wednesday, October 27, to raise money for the band.

"He is an amazing percussionist for his age and really enjoys playing."

Pat said Malton White Star Band provides somewhere for people to meet together to learn and play music.

"We all know that playing a musical instrument has lots of benefits for people of all ages. It develops confidence, concentration and creativity, it also helps to improve memory, relieve stress - much needed at the present time - and gives lots of personal enjoyment while giving pleasure to others with performances.

"We provide free tuition and free loan of an instrument so that everyone can have the opportunity to learn and no one is discriminated against by means of income, age or anything else. Pat said: "The band has a long history having been founded over 100 years ago. We want to be able to safeguard this legacy for the future benefit of young and old in the Malton area. Please help us to do this."

Jason said: "I started playing cornet for the band at the age of nine and moved over to drums three years ago. The band has given both my brother and I free tuition and experience of playing in a band."

Any pledges over £30 - you can choose a song to be played during the drumathon.

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dayle-austin or the facebook page of Malton White Star Band.