The Black Dyke Band has confirmed its position as a world leader by winning a national trophy - for the 17th time.

The group swept aside competition from 19 other bands at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday to win the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.

Conducted by Nicholas J Childs, the musicians scored a near perfect 198 points out of 200 to claim their 17th first prize in the event since the second world war.

Among the judges' glowing comments on the Queensbury band's performance was this tribute by Dr Roy Newsome: "The playing is at such a high level. This is just poetry."

Band administrator and former player Geoffrey Whiteley said: "We are all delighted - the band played excellently and the reception they got from the audience was fantastic.

"We've had such a busy schedule this year that we only really had two weeks to prepare for this one, but to get such a high score reflects the quality of the performance and was the icing on the cake."

Euphonium player David Thornton also received an individual honour after the contest when he was voted Euphonium Player of the Year.

For the brass band, which has been entertaining traditional music lovers since 1855, winning has become something of a tradition.

One routine which won't be repeated this year, however, is the band's usual 'homecoming' march through the streets of Queensbury with the trophy.

Mr Whiteley explained: "The last time we marched was around five years ago because the traffic has become so busy it wasn't really fair, or safe, to do it any more.

"But now we hold it in the Parish Church I think it's actually better, because people can see us with the trophy in comfort, and the church is guaranteed a full house!"

The group will show off their most recent addition to the trophy cabinet with a special benefit show at Queensbury Parish Church on Thursday evening.

All proceeds from the 7.30pm event, which costs £6 on the door, will go to the church.