A BRASS band which has been playing for more than 140 years has been given a boost.

Tyldesley Band, which was set up in 1873, has been given £1,500 from ward councillors' Wigan Council Brighter Borough funding.

The band, which tasted a period of success in the 1980s, won the National Brass Band Championship for the north west area in 2015.

READ > Scheme supporting private landlords to offer quality, affordable housing rolled out

Tyldesley Band chairman Daniel Swindells said: “Money gifted to the band by the Brighter Boroughs funding is crucial to the continuing high standard of operation that the band enjoys.

"The band is prominent in the local community and performs throughout the year at many council and private hosted events.

"Our highlights are the Proms in the Park concerts during September which play to audiences in the thousands in Atherton, Leigh and Wigan.

"The key to our success has always been a strong relationship with Fred Longworth High School and many of our players are current and former students at the school.

"The school operates a fantastic brass tutoring program with members of the band having taught there themselves.

"The funding will go towards new uniforms, music and instruments so that we can continue to offer a warm welcome to young players and encourage them to continue playing beyond."

During the Second World War, the band loaned it's instruments to the American armed forces stationed at Burtonwood.

After the war had ended, the instruments were reconditioned by the Americans and together with a donation of £100, helped to reform the band.