A LEADING Army bandsman returns to his North Yorkshire roots today.

Major Bob Meldrum, who was appointed director of the Royal Artillery Orchestra in August last year, will be conducting a concert at Bedale High School at 7.30pm tonight. He is a former student of the school and has family living in the Bedale area. He was awarded the MBE in last year's New Year Honours for services to Army music in a career spanning 31 years.

Tickets, £7.50 for adults and £5 concessions, are available from the school on (01677) 422419. A family ticket for two adults and children is £20.

Musicians from schools in the Bedale area will take part in workshops led by Maj Meldrum and the orchestra.

Headteacher Graham Turner said: "I am delighted that the school has the opportunity to support talented musicians around the area."