FORMER engineer Tom Morris is on the verge of joining an elite band of musicians.

The veteran cornet player will shortly become one of only a handful of 90-year-olds still playing in bands throughout the country.

To celebrate the event, a birthday concert is being staged by Stanhope Silver Band, in Weardale, County Durham, which Mr Morris joined as a cornet player five years ago.

According to the British Bandsman magazine, the voice of brass bands in this country, it is extremely rare for musicians as old as Mr Morris to be able to carry on playing.

Editor Kenny Crookston said: “Although we had news of one member of an Essex band retiring at Christmas when he was 91, it is a remarkable achievement for someone as old as Tom to be still playing in concerts.”

Born in Cowdenbeath, Fife, Mr Morris first indulged his passion for brass band music by playing in the local band as a 12-year-old.

He later joined the Barrie, Ostler and Kirkcaldy Band, where he recalls recording concerts for the radio programmes such as Friday Night is Music Night, which were broadcast on the BBC.

On moving south to England, Mr Morris joined Corby Brass Band, in Northamptonshire.

He said: “I have always played the cornet. But I stopped about 30 years ago, because I thought I was a bit too old.

“It was not until I moved to Weardale to live with my daughter and her family that I came out of a retirement. I went to a concert at the local chapel and made friends with members of the Stanhope band, and the rest is history.”

Mr Morris attributes his longevity as a cornet player to lots of practice.

His daughter, Gail, said: “He practises up to three hours every day. Luckily we live in a big house here in Frosterley, so it doesn’t drive us nuts.”

Mr Morris believes that his constant practice keeps his lip muscles in shape. He said: “If I can keep that up, I will be able to carry on playing for some time yet.”

Steve Robson, who will conduct Stanhope Silver Band at the 90th birthday concert on Friday, February 19, said: “Tom just loves his music. He is always the first to put up his hand when extra rehearsal is needed. It is a delight to have someone of his age in the band. He is an inspiration to us all.”

■ See The Northern Echo tomorrow for full concert details.