Members of the Black Dyke Band are well known for blowing their own trumpets.

But, after overcoming a failed Lottery bid to forge ahead with plans to build a centre of excellence, the world famous musicians have every right to be proud.

Today members of the band, who are national champions, proudly showed off the new percussion studio at their Queensbury base - home to the band since 1855.

Geoff Whiteley, band administrator, said he hoped the success of their project would act as an inspiration to other groups which have lost-out in the battle for Lottery funding.

The band found-out last June that its bid had been unsuccessful - but ten months later the first phase of its centre of excellence has been completed.

The band, which next weekend will take part in the European Brass Band Championships, has raised almost £80,000 purchase its historic band room, pay for improvements to the roof, and build the new percussion practice studio.

It will be open for young people around the district who will be trained by the band's top musicians.

The failure of the Lottery bid meant that the band had to use some of the money raised from its concerts - 80 per cent of which is usually donated to charity - to pay for the facilities.

Mr Whiteley said: "We were very disappointed because we wanted to press ahead and we were getting a lot of calls from parents asking where their children could go if they wanted to get involved with the band.

"We just decided to forge ahead anyway and do what we could. It has taken a little bit longer than it would have done if we had got the money, but we are quite proud of what we have achieved so far."

The band is preparing a second Lottery bid to fund the next stage of the centre of excellence project.

But Mr Whiteley said, regardless of the success of the next bid, the percussion facility would be a boost to young musicians across Bradford.

"We realise that the future of the band lies in encouraging youngsters to get involved," he said. "It is harder and harder for young people because it can be so expensive. We hope this new facility will mean youngsters from all walks of life can take part."

And principal percussionist Chris Ward said the new facility was a tribute to all those involved. The band has done exceptionally well and it is a credit to all members and their loyal supporters that they've pulled it out of the bag," he said.

"This new facility gives us the opportunity to pass our expertise on to the next generation of band members." Anyone interested in becoming involved with the Black Dyke Band should call (01274) 814970.

Pictured in the studio are bend members Sija Jindal, Eleanor Bilton and Sarah Belmont.