Bratton Silver Band is celebrating one of the biggest achievements in its history, after qualifying for the third section of the National Brass Band Championships for the first time.

The band won the third section of the 2014 West of England Regional Championships with a performance of Partita for Band (Postcards from Home) by Philip Wilby.

While the band has qualified for the National Brass Band Championships on six previous occasions, it has only ever appeared in the fourth section finals.

After beating 13 other bands for the top prize in the regional championships, the band is now eyeing the national finals at Cheltenham in September.

Band president Lucy Scott said: “This is the highest placing which the band has achieved in its 155-year history. I’m delighted for our musical director Simon Carr and all the players.”