A TOWN jazz band is celebrating this week after winning a championship.

Crook Town Grenadiers beat bands from across the country to become the United Kingdom Federation of Jazzbands champions for 2005 to 2006.

It is the second time the band has won the title. The first time was in 2002.

The win marks a successful year after clinching the European title at Bewley Safari Park, Kidderminster, in June, and the Interlink Championships in May.

Trainer Julie Scott said: "They have done so well. They were excellent and everybody was talking about them this weekend before the results were even announced."

The band will continue on the competition trail this weekend in the Northern Championships at South Shields.