Musicians with the Betteshanger Colliery Brass Band are celebrating after outstanding success in a top competition on Sunday.

Members travelled to Harrogate as the only Kent band to compete in the National Brass Band Championships, hitting all the right notes to come seventh out of 17.

Band press officer Helen Rose said: "It was not until 11.30pm that the results were read out to the 500-strong audience. We waited with baited breath to hear our fate and were proud with the commendable place."

The musicians represented London and the Southern counties, beating all the 'third section' bands in London and the Southern Counties.

Miss Rose added: "Betteshanger drew number 17 meaning we were to play last and did not appear on stage until 10.45pm!

"Despite 11 hours of waiting the band was confident and focused. The performance was confident and well rehearsed.

"Many bands played it safe with their interpretation but musical director David Cutting stood firm with his ideas. The band played out his interpretation with strength and focus.

"It is undoubtedly one of the proudest moments in the band’s long history."

The band continues its busy schedule on Saturday at St George's Church, High Street, Deal at 7.30pm. Tickets for sale on the door.

For more details visit www.betteshanger.org. The band welcomes comments in its guest book on its blog.

* To find out about other concerts and events see the two Leisure Pages in the East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury this week.