The popular Oldham Band (Lees) have vaulted themselves to success reaching the finals of the national brass band championships at the Royal Albert Hall. 

They are the first Championship Section band in Oldham and Saddleworth to compete at the London venue for a championship-level national title.

The band, run by farmer John Collins, have used players from Saddleworth and Oldham and worked hard to maintain impressive wins and successes over its 18-year history. 

With nine players from the original band from 2004, and 21 from Saddleworth and Oldham (with the youngest 17-years-old), the band stay close to their roots and remain as competitive as possible.

Mr Collins said: “This has always been our aim from when we first achieved going to the Royal Albert Hall with Bare Trees Band in 2004.

"A lot of the original players from Bare Trees Band are still with us now, and it’s a very proud moment for me, having those dedicated players get as far as they have as a team.”

The band claimed success by earning themselves third place at the North West regional area competition in February, with judges praising their high-quality performance.

And now they are focused on fundraising to support their trip to the Royal Albert Hall in October.

A week before the contest the band are hosting a concert to raise funds.

People can also support them as a local cause at the Co-Operative stores and EasyFundraising via easyfundraising.org.uk.