The leader of the world-famous Black Dyke Band today vowed it would go from strength to strength with the benefit of 'girl power'.

The brass band, based at Queensbury, admitted its first female member, Lesley Howie, in February.

This week it emerged her appointment led to a rift in the ranks and two male members were asked to leave.

Their departure then prompted four other male players to go. Lesley is still with the band.

Today, the band's artistic director James Watson admitted the period of upheaval had been a "nightmare" but predicted the much-in-demand band, which now has three women and a fourth due to join this month, will have its most successful year ever.

"History was made in February when we appointed Lesley Howie," Mr Watson said. "No-one said anything at the time, but I was made aware of comments over the next few months and I noticed glaring and glowering going on during rehearsals."

Two players were invited to leave and four others followed the next day.

"It has been a nightmare period in a way," Mr Watson said. "There was a cloud over the band - the playing wasn't affected but there wasn't a smile on the band's face. Now the cloud has gone."

He says there was never a deliberate policy not to appoint women in his seven-and-a-half years in charge, it just didn't happen until February. Three out of the four latest appointments are women.

"This sends a message to young girl players in school bands, if they keep going, they can reach the top," Mr Watson said.

New member Michelle Ibbotson, 24, a music teacher who plays the soprano cornet, said: "The lads here have been great, really supportive and helpful.''

Cornet player Mandy Brader, 22, a student teacher, is in her second week with the Black Dyke. She said: "They have taken a very positive step, they are leading the field. Bands who don't admit women are stuck in time."

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