MEMBERS of Tottington Public Band will fly out to France today (Friday Nov 9) as special guests of a music school festival.

The 29-strong group was invited to the end-of-week celebrations in Nimes, in the south of France, after organisers contacted them looking for a "traditional British brass band". The band, who played in Woodbury last year, will join in a parade through the streets of St Ambroix, which is to the north of Nimes, to the village square, where they will be received by the mayor.

Chairman of the band Kate Pilling said: "This is a lovely gesture by the organisers, who are helping to fund the trip. We will be able to visit a market and enjoy a wine-tasting session. Our name must be getting known in wider circles!"

The band members are expected back in Tottington on Sunday evening.