A COMMUNITY brass band is celebrating after being given £1,000 in a housing developer's community grants scheme.

Sutton's Got Brass was the latest winner of Skipton Properties monthly giveaway of £1,000 to worthy causes.

Its marketing director, Caroline Verity, said they couldn't say no.

"Skipton Properties are delighted to help Sutton’s Got Brass.

"The Community Grants scheme was set up to help organisations such as this, those that we thought might find it hard to find funding. Sutton’s Got Brass showed community spirit, commitment and passion and when bearing in mind the history of brass bands in Yorkshire - we couldn’t say no."

The community band, based at Sutton Community Primary School, was launched two years ago with £50,000 from the People's Millions lottery fund.

It meets once a week at the school, has members of all ages and welcomes people of all abilities - whether they've played an instrument for years, or just getting started.

It has all its own instruments, which it loans out to members, and John Moreman is its band leader/conductor.

Its oldest member, 81-year-old Geoff Donaldson, said the band was delighted with the money which would help pay its running costs.

"I play a number of instruments and have recently taken up the trombone, I don't claim to be an expert at all, and anyone at all can come along and join us," he said.

Anyone interested in joining the band can turn up on its weekly meetings at the school in Bridge Road, Sutton, on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 8.30pm.