THE AWARD-winning Goodwick Brass Band has launched a funding appeal to help get members to this year's National Brass Band finals in Cheltenham this September.

As recently reported in the Western Telegraph, the band won the Welsh Regional First Section final in Wrexham last month.

The largely re-shaped band, with a mixture of returning established players and another crop of talented young newcomers, aced its performance of Gilbert Vinter's test piece; Symphony of Marches, coming top out of 11 Welsh bands.

Judges Roger Webster and Sheona Wade were highly complimentary; saying Goodwick's performance was a well-directed performance with lots of detail, good ensemble playing and excellent solo work.

The band is now practicing hard for its appearance at the National Finals at Cheltenham this September but is asking for notes of a different kind to help fund its appearance.

"As we rely on money raised from concerts and other functions the National Finals will put a great strain on our band finances to be able to attend," said Goodwick Brass Band chairman, Tony Evans.

"This will be the sixth occasion that the band will have played at the National Finals.

"The band has achieved great results at the finals; in the past we have had a third and second placing and were crowned Champions in 2013 and 2015.

"For eight of the band members, who are all under 17, this will be the first time for them to play at the National Finals. It would be a pity for them to miss out if we were unable to attend."

The band hopes to raise £2,500, to pay towards transport cost and some accommodation, through its JustGiving page.

To help Goodwick Bras Band get to the national finals in Cheltenham, visit JustGiving.com and search for Tony Evans.