YOUNGSTERS are marching on to success after qualifying for the 31st World Jazz Band Championships.

The Shildon Jubilees will travel to Wales at the end of this month to battle for honours against 40 bands from all over the country.

Band founder Lesley Tremble said the championships were the icing on the cake for the band, which has a cabinet full of trophies.

She said: "I am so proud of them. They have worked very hard. They just missed out on qualifying last year and we are looking forward to this.''

Children from neighbouring band Crook Grenadiers will also be taking part in the championships.

Mrs Tremble said: "Crook were the champions in 2002, and I hope that we can bring the trophy home this year.''

She praised the support that has been shown by the local community and businesses in Shildon.

She said: "Everybody has been fantastic. We needed to raise a lot of money to take the kids to the championships and we have had a lot of support.

"We have had grants from Shildon Town Council, Sedgefield Borough Council and J and C Coaches, from Newton Aycliffe, have given us a discount on the bus.

"A recent street collection in the town raised £1,000. We would not be able to do this without that support."

Published: 17/08/2004