CHIPPENHAM Town Band is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.

Every Monday evening members meet up at the Cause arts centre, on the Causeway, to practise.

The 36 musicians play a wide range of music and undertake dozens of engagements each year.

The roots of the band reach back to the 1890s, when it was called the Chippenham Town Silver Band.

During the Second World War it became the Wiltshire Regiment Home Guard Band, and after the war reformed as the Chippenham Town Silver Band.

The group folded in 1954 because of lack of interest but in 1992 the Mayor, Coun Doug Cleverly, decided it was time to revive it.

A meeting was called and although the idea was to form a brass band, there were plenty of flutes and clarinets so the group became a wind band.

Most engagements take place within a 20-mile radius of the town, but members are planning a European tour.

Mr Cleverly is still band president, with Alan Horner serving as bandmaster. Some members have been with the band for the entire ten years, including Mr Horner.

"The highlight of the band year was being allowed to play during the Queen's walkabout in the High Street," said Mr Horner.

Anyone interested in joining should contact Mr Horner on (01249) 657654.