PREPARATIONS for a Darlington brass band's push to win national honours are under way.

The members of Cockerton Silver Band will be blowing their own trumpets if they come out on top in the final of the National Brass Band Championships in Torquay in September.

The 138-year-old band is in confident mood, having reached the final after taking second place in regional heats. The band's performance saw it come within a point of the winners from the York Railway Institute. To help to fund the trip to the finals the band is appealing for sponsorship, as well as holding its own events to raise the £4,000 needed.

The opening concert in its summer programme began on Sunday night at Stressholme Golf Club. Anyone wishing to sponsor the band is asked to call band treasurer Adrian Gardiner on (01325) 463691.