AN Oldham brass band has gone from virtual extinction to absolute distinction after winning an unprecedented five major competitions on the run, landing them among the top 40 outfits in the world rankings.

The Oldham Band (Lees) has been truly hitting the high notes and raising the roof over the last 12 months.

Among their victories they claimed the regional championships at Blackpool's Winter Garden, won promotion to the Championship Section at the National Finals in Cheltenham and won the Senior Cup at the British Open Spring Festival - placing them among brass band heavy weights such as Fodens, Black Dyke, Fairey and Brighouse.

They also came third overall in the Whit Friday Brass Band Contest last May after being narrowly pipped for second by Fairey Band.

They are now hovering around the mid 30s position - their highest ever - in the world rankings amid thousands of brass bands from around the world.

The Oldham Band (Lees), formerly known as the Lees and Glodwick Band and then the Oldham Brass '97, was on the verge of collapsing in 2004 and struggling with just eight players.

That is until current conductor John Collins took over as musical director and decided to rope in the talents of youngsters from Bare Trees School Community Band.

Nurturing their learning and expertise his efforts breathed new life into the band, laying the foundations for its current success.

And several of those young players are still among the throng 14 years later, including Toni Heywood and Harry Heeley.

In fact John is so passionate about his musical ensemble, the Scouthead farmer built a band room complete with social area and kitchen on his farm where the members now descend for weekly practise.

The band is trumpeting their success by launching a CD titled, Diedem of Gold, which features recordings of their rest and winning pieces, their Whit Friday march piece and Abide with Me which they always play as a warm-up due to it being John's mum's favourite composition.

Euphonium player James Brooks, a band member for eight years, said he feels exceptionally proud of their achievements in which John has been hugely instrumental.

"I don't think any band has won five competitions in a row, it's unheard of," said James, from Moorside.

"To be among the likes of world famous bands like Black Dyke and Fairey is just incredible. We're now preparing for this year's contest season where we hope to keep on winning and make our town proud.

"John really should be commended for what he's done.

"He got all these kids together from the wind band to make a brass band, taught them how to play brass instruments and turned an on-its-knees band around, entering their first ever regional championship in Blackpool shortly after where they won the fourth section.

"Not only that, a lot of these kids weren't your normal brass band sort of people but he gave them something amazing to work and aim for and not only has he inspired a different generation of players, getting involved with the band has had a big impact on their lives.

"John is fantastic and he's made this band amazing. Without him it wouldn't be where it is today and we're all so proud right now."

You can get your hands on their new CD, priced £10, either from their website www.oldhamband.co.uk, The Oldham Band (Lees) Facebook page, local band clubs or at their concerts.

You can also contact them via Twitter @OldhamBandLees and on Instagram.