THREE Bolton bands were on a high note today after successes in the national championships.

The real toast of the town is The Eagley Band, who only five months after scooping top prize in the big Isle of Man contest, won their section to become national champions.

All three Bolton bands played in section three of the national championships - known as the Pontins Holidays Brass Band Championships and held over two weekends at the Prestatyn Village, North Wales.

Eagley were outright winners of section three. Another Bolton band, The Hoover Band conducted by Peter Ashley, were runners up.

And Eatons Farnworth Band, conducted by Paul Heyes, finished in the top ten but just missed out on the prizes.

As well as the title, Eagley won £1,000, a silver trophy and promotion into Section Two.

Adjudicators John Hudson and Geoff Whitham described the performance by the band and its conductor Chris Wormald as "outstanding, full of detail and excellent tuning throughout."

They were awarded 181 points out of a possible 200.

Eatons Farnworth, who finished just one point behind Eagley, received a cheque for £600 and Pontins holiday vouchers.

Chris Wormald, who took over the Eagley baton in 1989, said he was particularly proud of his band's performance because of the young age of many of its members. Thirteen also play in the championship winning brass band of Smithills School, where Chris is head of music.

For them, it was the fourth consecutive winning performance in UK contests. "During last week, Eagley rehearsed four times in five days, Smithills rehearsed throughout their half term holiday week and yesterday, before the contest, we practised for several hours," said Chris. "I think you could say we have been trying hard at Eagley and Smithills."

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