THE achievements of an award-winning brass band could be recognised by its home town - and all who visit.

The Wingates Band has been performing for more than 130 years, gaining a world-wide following and scooping a host of prestigious awards.

Residents living on the Wingates Estate, in Westhoughton, say that the band has put the town on the map.

And in honour of their growing list of achievements, have asked that new road signs be installed at the town's boundaries.

The signs would read: "Welcome to Westhoughton, home of the world-famous Wingates Brass Band."

It was also suggested to Westhoughton Town Council, by members of Wingates Residents Association, that signs be erected at points surrounding the estate.

Westhoughton North and Chew Moor councillor, Arthur Price, said: "I find it unbelievable that people come to Westhoughton and there's no mention of this band. I think they've worked hard to deserve this recognition and we should now pay this band the respect it deserves."

The band won the "double double" of the British Open and British National Championships in 1906. The performers have since gone on to win the Open seven times and the National on four occasions. They won the French Open brass band championships in 2004 and 2006.

Local labelling firm, Krones UK, which is based in Wingates Industrial Park, will now work on a possible design for the signs.

The town council will then consider costs and sizes and assess whether the project must go before Bolton Council planners for approval.

The new signs are likely to be erected near the Wingates estate first and at other locations in the town - such as Snydale Way, near junction 5 of the M61 - when current ones need replacing.

Wingates Band's public relations manager, David kay, of Krones UK, said: "I've been on travels to Australia and heard praise for this band whose music is known thousands of miles away and practised by children there. I felt so proud. I think this is a fitting recognition."