A plea has been made for young would-be musicians to join a brass band.

Norton Youth Brass has seen its numbers dwindle to single figures - the lowest in its 31-year history.

Conductor Bryan Cowton said the band, which meets at the Trinity Methodist Church in Norton, near Malton, had suffered because there had been no beginners' classes for two years.

But now it is able to offer not only free tuition but free instruments.

At its height, the band had 50 members, said Mr Cowton, but other interests and the lack of classes had seen a decline.

He said: "We are now much more confident about the future thanks to some senior members who are teaching the young musicians, and the enthusiasm we have among the players."

The band meets at the church each Wednesday at 7pm, while the beginners' night is held on Thursdays at 6.30pm.

Further information is available by calling (01944) 759040.