MOTHERS Gill Pearl and Ruth Boff were so "brassed off" with their lives that they learned to play the saxophone.

And now they have formed a band called -- Brassed Off.

They were inspired to learna new skill by the desire to use their brains

Both had scaled down their work commitments to care for their young families and were feeling the need to think about themselves.

So, seven years ago, Ruth, from Horwich and Gill, from Lostock, decided to learn to play the saxophone.

Little did they know their hobby would turn into a brass band.

Gill said: "We enjoyed being at home with the children, but felt we needed something else.

"We played other instruments, including the piano and guitar, but had never attempted a brass instrument before."

Ruth, aged 38, a vet, said: "It had to be the saxophone because it's a really sexy instrument."

They taught themselves to play but, after a while, realised their sound would be much better if they could get together with other musicians, playing different instruments.

That's when the family and friends decided to join in and the sound really started to take off.

Gill's husband Vince, aged 41, a Bolton solicitor, joined in with the trumpet.

Gill, a speech and language therapist, said: "He saw we were having a good time and decided to join us. We were the three founder members."

They started off as a brass quartet with another friend, but eventually Brassed Off was formed and they haven't looked back since.

Ruth said: "People say we look as if we're having fun, and we are."

The band boasts Ruth's partner, detective Chris Harrison, aged 40, lead singer; guitarist Paul Costello, a teacher; bass guitarist Andy Westhead, a graphic designer, and his wife Lynne, backing singer.

Nurse Sandy Perry is a backing singer, as is midwife Joanna Harwood; garage owner Chris Dickinson is drummer and speech and language therapist Dick Perkins plays the trombone.

They play at various events, including charity nights, and can be seen at the Bolton Hospice Summer Ball, being held at the Reebok, on Saturday, July 7.

There have been some memorable gigs. Both Gill and Ruth remember the night they played The Dockers' Club in Liverpool.

Gill said: "We came on after the drag act. It was quite scary, playing in front of all those Liverpool dockers.

"It was an experience."

They've stopped doing long-distance venues because it takes so long time to set up, and now prefer to play locally.

The band has progressed to an experienced sound, playing old favourites and more modern tunes.

Gill and Ruth play keyboards in the band, although not at the same time, if they can help it.

Ideal

Gill said: "I have played saxophone and keyboard at the same time once, but it's not ideal."

They both love being part of Brassed Off and will keep playing so long as they are having fun.

Gill said: "It's all about us having a good time."

Anyone interested in watching Brassed Off in action can catch them at the Bolton Hospice summer ball, on Saturday July 7, in the Lion of Vienna Suite at the Reebok.

Tickets, at £26, include a three course meal and live entertainment from the band.

For tickets ring the Bolton Hospice Campaign Office on 520040.