BRATTON'S famed silver band is hoping to follow up success in the regional brass band championships at the finals in September.

The band, which has been a part of village life in Bratton for nearly 150 years, was awarded second place in the 4th section at the regional heat held in Torquay at the end of March.

Band member Les Wood said: "We are going from strength to strength, improving day by day. We are on top of the world at the moment."

It will be the fourth time the band has made it to the national finals, and the second year in succession.

The 30 members will travel to Harrogate for the finals on September 11 and 12 and are hoping to beat last year's effort, when they came 17th.

Its success at the regional championships means the band has now been promoted to a higher section in the national brass band tables and will compete in that section next year.

The band's services are always in demand and this year's concert engagements will take them as far afield as Minehead and Southampton.

They will also be taking part in private competitions, the next one in Weston-super-Mare in May. In July they will be performing in concert at the Wiltshire Music Centre, tickets for which are already being snapped up.

Their next appearance is tomorrow at the Corn Exchange in Devizes in a charity concert promoted by Devizes Lions Club, with Bath's Silver Ring Choir.

For details about forthcoming concerts contact Lisa Hill on (01373) 826545.