FERRYHILL Town Band were brassed off by the result of the national championships.

But although they finished out of the prizes, members were pleased with their performance at the National British Brass Band Championships.

Two coach loads of band members, their family and supporters from Ferryhill, travelled to the Royal Albert Hall in London for the competition.

There was a panic just ten minutes before the band were due to play when a valve on a fleugel horn stuck.

But catastrophe was averted when Len Potts, of the Fishburn Band, who had been playing at the championships on the previous day, came to the rescue by lending an instrument.

Ferryhill trombone player Peter Atkinson said: "We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience of appearing at such a prestigious venue.

"And we hope that what we have achieved over the last year as a band has not only done the band a power of good, but also put the town of Ferryhill well and truly on the national map."

He said: "Although we were disappointed with the result we are determined to be back there next year."

Copies of the band's compact disc, which they produced to raise money for the trip to the national championships, are still on sale at Ferryhill Library.