MEMBERS of Lyme Regis Town Band are undertaking a ‘recruitment drive’ to encourage more instrument players to join them.

Players of all ages and abilities are welcome as free tuition is available for learners and ‘rusty’ players can get support and encouragement.

There are currently vacancies for cornets, euphonium and basses, but all instruments are welcome.

The band also has an enthusiastic group of four young players and is keen to attract others to join them, but learners do not need to be young people.

A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Town Band said: “It is possible to learn to play at any age. There are several people in the band who did not pick up a brass instrument until a lot later in life and are now playing with the band on a regular basis having learnt from scratch.

“There are also players who have returned to playing after a break of many years and are greatly enjoying being part of a band again,”

The band rehearses at the Woodmead Halls in Lyme Regis every Tuesday evening.

Tuition takes place between7pm to 7.45pm, with the main band practice from 7.45pm to 9.30pm.

The Lyme Regis Town Band was re-formed in 1981 after a lapse of 30 years and supported by a donation from the making of ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ filmed in Lyme Regis of that year.

The main work of the band is during the summer months when it plays regularly to entertain visitor and residents, with the most popular location being on the Marine Parade.

On Tuesday evenings from the beginning of July until the end of August, the band presents a series of concerts on the Marine Parade entitled, ‘Music by the Sea’, as well as Sunday afternoon concerts in the same location.

It supports other local organisations at events throughout the year, including the Regatta and Carnival Committee, the RNLI, the Royal British Legion, the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis and local schools.

Anyone interested in joining Lyme Regis Town Band is welcome to pop in for a chat or more information is available at www.lymeregistownband.co.uk or contact band secretary Sandra Evans on 01297 444517 or email alexaevans999@yahoo.com