A TALENTED nine-year-old brought a trophy home when his band represented the region in a prestigious contest.

Spennymoor Town Band, as North of England 4th section champions, competed at the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday.

The band, conducted by Fiona Casewell, came a creditable 12th place competing against the country’s best from England, Wales and Scotland.

Vice president Hugh Stephenson said: “We are pleased with the result and so proud we have put Spennymoor and County Durham on the map. This would not have been possible without so much support from so many."

Cornet player Michael MacDonald, who joined the youth band at five and the senior band in May, received the Roy Newsome Memorial Shield for being the youngest player in the contest.

The Byers Green Primary School pupil said: " I am very pleased to have won this trophy and really love playing with Spennymoor Town and Youth Bands."