A BAND of volunteers who have taken a leading role in ensuring all young people ­ no matter what their background ­can experience the joy of playing music have hit the right note.

The volunteers behind Kearsley Youth Brass Band have been honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The award ­— which was given to just 281 organisations this year ­— comes as the band is fundraising for a tour to Oslo to celebrate it's 10th anniversary next year.

Stephen Tonge, chairman of band, said: "I’m delighted that Kearsley Youth Brass Band and its volunteers have been recognised with a Queen's Award.

"Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this charitable organisation, working extensively in Kearsley and surrounding communities of Bolton.

"We wouldn’t survive without them, so this award is thoroughly deserved, well done all."

The band was formed to provide musical opportunities to all young people, regardless of background. It has transformed lives by giving some young people a new found focus as well as discovering hidden talent.

"When we set the band up the aim was to give people who would not normally get the opportunity to play in a brass band or who were musically talented but might have not had the funds," said Mr Tonge, who said today, the band has young people from all backgrounds.

He added: "The musical director Mark Harrison is so talented and committed to the band and his enthusiasm rubs off on the young people."

The organisation also provides tuition and pays for young people to take music exams.

Representatives from the brass band attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace along with other award winners.

The award was set up to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

Awards are announced each year on June 2, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

To find out more about the band email kearsleyybb@gmail.com or ring 01204 776635.