A long-running brass band is calling for more players as it prepares to launch a new project.

The Hellesdon and Sprowston Brass Band will hold a free taster day at the beginning of February to give people the chance to try a brass instrument and for former brass players to rekindle their love of playing.

The week later, the group, based at Hellesdon Community Centre, will be starting an 'entry band' for people who want to continue to play.

Tuba player Alan Kirkham, who lives in Meadow Way, Hellesdon, said: 'We've got this fantastic musical director, Dario Salvi, who is doing a masters at the University of East Anglia and he's lifted our band fantastically.

'And it would be really great to get more people playing. It can be expensive to buy brass instruments, but we've got instruments people can try and use.

'We're not just trying to get young people involved but anyone. Maybe someone who is in their forties or fifties who used to play and is thinking about taking it up again.'

There are currently about 30 members in the band, both men and women, ranging in age from 11 to 76 and playing instruments including the tuba, cornet, tenor horn and baritone. The group is particularly short of cornet players at the moment.

All the instruments can be provided for people who play in the 'entry band'. 'The only cost will be if people decide to take extra lessons,' said Mr Kirkham. 'We play quite a few concerts and the social side is very good too - the band curry night is an institution.'

The entry band meets at 6.30pm every Tuesday at the centre in Middletons Lane. The session is followed by the main band which meets at 7.45pm.

The taster session will be held at Hellesdon Community Centre on February 7 from 6.30pm onwards.

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