THE region's most famous brass band has won a top ten place in a national competition.
The Reg Vardy Band, formerly the Ever Ready Band, was eighth in the British Open, held at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.
It was the only North-East band in the competition, which featured 18 of the country's best bands, as well as one invited from New Zealand.
Band manager Les Palmer said: "The British Open is probably the most prestigious contest in the calendar, and certainly the hardest line-up of bands in the world, so we were delighted to maintain our eighth position."
Earlier this year, the band won the North of England Championships and a place in the national final on October 16.
The band, based in Stanley, County Durham, has gone from strength to strength after a five-year sponsorship deal with motor retailer Reg Vardy.
The band will be in concert at Elvet Church, in Durham, on Saturday, October 2, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the door.
Published: 23/09/2004
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