A MAN is hoping to resurrect a band that brought music to a former pit village.

Keith Allen, who played bass drum with the Shotton Colliery Band, is trying to recruit musicians to revive the ensemble.

The once-popular band had been playing for more than 50 years, but dissolved in 1973, a year after the colliery closed.

"We would like to get it back in existence - we have a lot of the old instruments, some of which need repairing, but some are in good order," said Mr Allen.

"The parish council has had a replica colliery banner made, and that made us think it would be nice to have our own band once again," he said.

Mr Allen has already found five recruits, but would like more to come forward.

It is hoped that a junior section could be formed and that the band could take part in competitions, as it used to.

There had been an earlier, unsuccessful, attempt to revive the band during the 1980s.

Anyone who is interested in helping or playing with the band can contact Mr Allen on 0191-517 0146.

Published: 26/01/2005