Cottingley is blowing its own trumpet about a new brass band.

Sovereign Brass has been in existence since January and is now warming up for its first performance, at a private function.

The ensemble was set up by musical director Andrew McLauch-lan, who was previously the conductor of the Hammond Sauce Works and the Yorkshire Building Society Concert brass bands.

And Sovereign Brass has already lined up appearances at Baildon Conservative Club in May, Eccles-hill Methodist Church summer fair in July and St Peter's Church, Shipley, in October.

Mr McLauchlan, 55, of Baildon, who has been a conductor since 1970 after playing the trombone with the Hammonds band, said: "At the moment Sovereign Brass is a ten-piece group but hopefully in the next six months we will be able to increase the size of the band.

"We have a great rehearsal room at Cottingley Business Park, thanks to Donald Jagger of Cox 22 Property Developers and Finance, Bradford Road, Bingley.

"Anyone interested in playing, providing they have the commitment, is welcome to join."

Sovereign Brass rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7.30pm. For information ring Mr McLauchlan on 07900 210828 or band secretary Nicola Woodhead on 07855 333705.