KIRKBYMOORSIDE Town Brass Band scooped a top award in the North Eastern Brass Band Championships held at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington.

The 28-strong band beat six others to land the Section One Championship, in an area which stretched from Yorkshire to the Scottish Borders.

Band spokesman David Wakeley, one of the three percussionists, said: "It was a great accolade for the band because it was the second time we had won the class in four years."

The band now goes on top compete in the British Finals of the Brass Band Association, being held at Harrogate later this year.

The Kirkbymoorside band, which has won many honours over the years and is recognised as being among the top bands in Yorkshire, is to travel to Germany later this year and is also appearing at several summer events and agricultural shows.

Meanwhile, Stape Silver Band was placed seventh in Section 3 at the Darlington championships, and the Swinton and District Excelsior Band, eighth in Section 4.

"Ryedale is fortunate to have so many bands of such a high standard," said Mr Wakeley.