KIRKBY Lonsdale Brass Band heads south to take part in a prestigious national competition.

The band will represent the North of England in the National Brass Band Championships in Torquay on Saturday.

It is only the second time Kirkby Lonsdale has reached the national finals.

The band, which has 31 playing members ranging from primary school age to retired people, will take part in the competition's fourth section.

It will play A Cambrian Suite, by Michael Ball, which comprises Welsh traditional music, including Men of Harlech and Suo-Gan (Cradle Song).

Bands come from the eight brass band regions in England, Scotland and Wales.

Kirkby Lonsdale is the only Cumbrian band taking part, although Lancaster Life Morecambe Band will be competing in the second section.

Kirkby Lonsdale band, under its conductor Allan Greenwood, has rehearsed very hard for the contest and is hopeful of a positive result.

l Cherchebi, a descriptive piece commissioned for Kirkby Lonsdale about the town and its history, is being used for the first time during the national contest for the third section.