A BRASS band has earned a place in the finals of a national competition for the first time since the 1970s.

Witney Town Band will compete in the final of the UK Brass Band Championships after achieving third place in their regional heat in March.

The band will compete against 20 others from across Britain at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire on Saturday.

Secretary Alan Bennett, from Carterton, said members of the band had been "on a high" since finding they had made it to the finals.

The 62-year-old said: "It’s absolutely fantastic. When we were competing in the regional heat in Stevenage we thought we had done quite well and expected to be fifth or sixth.

"When it was mentioned we came third the band absolutely erupted. They’ve been on a high ever since."

The finals will see Witney Town Band and the others play the tune Music from Kantara before a panel of judges.

The band dates back to 19th century and prioritises playing to entertain audiences over competing.

It only returned to entering competitions four or five years ago following a hiatus.

Mr Bennett said: "We’ve been up and down.

"We started entering competitions again and have been placing between seventh and 17th place.

"Coming third in this year’s heat is the best result we’ve had in a long time."

The band rehearses in Witney High Street Methodist Church on Tuesdays between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.

On Thursday, September 15, there will be an open rehearsal in the church during the usual hours with everyone invited to come and watch as the band prepares for the finals.