A COMMUNITY group in the Greengates area of Bradford has sounded a plea for a band to come forward to lead its Remembrance Sunday parade this year.

For the last two years, the Friends of Greengates Cenotaph has had the City of Bradford Pipe Band carry out the honour - but the musical institution has confirmed that it cannot play this year due to a lack of new recruits.

The Friends of Greengates Cenotaph voiced its sadness at the news - while the City of Bradford Pipe Band said it was "extremely disappointed" and had been forced to turn down other engagements due to a lack of players. 

Mike Frazer, secretary of the Friends of Greengates Cenotaph, said: "Our group has paid for the City of Bradford Pipe Band to lead our Remembrance Sunday parade for the last two years - but they've told us that because of falling numbers and a lack of recruits, they cannot play this year.

"This is a blow because the Greengates and Apperley Bridge residents and deputy Lord-Lieutenant as well as local councillors and dignitaries felt the presence of the band greatly enhanced the ceremonies.

"They were very popular and attendees at the church service and the 11am commemoration at the cenotaph significantly increased.

"As secretary of the group, I have been trying to find a replacement band and have contacted the Salvation Army and advertised across social media without success.

"Where have all the local bands gone?

"I hope that by the Telegraph & Argus publicising our story, a band may be willing to come forward and lead our Remembrance Sunday parade this year.

"My contact number is 07543225415 and we are willing to pay a fee or expenses."

Stacey Jenkins, who has been part of the City of Bradford Pipe Band since she was a youngster, said: "It's extremely disappointing that we are unable to lead the Remembrance Sunday parade at Greengates this year - and all the other engagements that we've had to turn down for that matter. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: A group picture of the City of Bradford Pipe BandA group picture of the City of Bradford Pipe Band (Image: Submitted)

"In the 30-plus years that I have been associated with the band, this is the first time that I have witnessed us not being able to accept any bookings for engagements through lack of players.

"It's heartbreaking. Ultimately the band is a group of volunteers who all love performing for the public and unfortunately now we're not able to do that."

People interested in joining the band can call 07872832244. Visit https://bradfordpipeband.co.uk for more information about the band.