A SECOND Bolton band is toasting success this week.

Hoover Band (Bolton) has been promoted to the second section nationally in the brass band contesting world.

The promotion was achieved by the band's performances over three years in national contests.

The band has a long history of contesting success dating back to 1911 and can trace its origins back to 1794.

More recently, in 1982, the band won six cups and shields and in 1990 won three out of four national contests and qualified to play in London.

In 1996 Andrew Warriner was appointed as musical director.

On Saturday the band is performing at a concert at St Paul's Church, Astley Bridge at 7.30pm.

The success of the Hoover Band, formerly known as Bolton Borough Band, follows the news that Smithills School now boasts the title of World Champion School Brass Band, as reported in last night's BEN.

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