A BRASS band with a 140-year history has begun 2018 with a 'spring in its step' after fighting back from crippling financial hardship last year.

Wingates Band announced last year that it was on the brink of collapse and would not survive beyond Christmas.

The championship-standard group put the difficulties down to a lack of audiences in more recent times supporting its concerts as well as higher annual running costs.

But band member Melanie McFarland said members had managed to turn a corner late last year after appealing to the community for help.

Melanie McFarland, Wingates Band member, said: "The response has just been amazing. We are looking at a very positive outlook.

"Spring is coming soon and we have got a spring back in our step."

It has managed to raise money from a variety of sources including its supporters club, which costs £20 a year, and business sponsorship packages.

Mrs McFarland said the band is now looking at making some repairs to its base in Wingates Square.

She added: "It is going to need a lot of repair and we have got somebody who is looking into grants for us."

The band has a number of forthcoming concerts, which can be viewed at wingatesbrassband.co.uk

For more details about how to support the band, contact Mrs McFarland on 07770587227 or by emailing melanie@i88.co.uk

To book concert tickets or to hire the band, contact band manager Sue MacDonald on 01925 837737 or email cornet1@virginmedia.com