THE melodic tunes of the Wiltshire Youth Marching Band reverberated around Sainsbury’s Bradford on Avon, raising nearly £1,000 in the process on December 12.

Altogether 24 members of the band turned out to bag pack in the store as well as performing Christmas carols to shoppers in order to raise funds to buy themselves instruments and uniforms.

Led by the band’s drum major and one of the founding partners, Martin Claridge, the group raised £948.13 and had a great day out too.

“The day all went very well and the kids all had a great time. We had some excellent feedback with many saying we were a jolly good bunch.

“I love doing this, it it’s a great to play all the festive music and Christmas Carols and getting a wonderful response from people,” he said.

The band, now in its fifth year, includes youngsters as young as eight up to the age of 20.

“Some have just picked up an instrument for the first time and others are more experienced and all very talented,” said Mr Claridge, who was briefly joined by Bradford on Avon’s MP Michelle Donelan.

For more information about the band visit http://www.wymb.webs.com/