WINGATES Band is encouraging youngsters to play an instrument and has formed a youth/training band.

Hector Sims, a member of the horn section of the senior band, was the driving force behind the scheme, helped by former senior band member David Chadwick. The project has received two local grants totalling more than £3,000. Some instruments have been bought and an appeal for unwanted instruments brought the total to 18. Three workshops at Westhoughton primary schools targeted eight and nine year old children who were beginners. On Sunday the youth band will play a short spot with the senior band at a public concert at Wingates Village Club. There are now 14 in the group, the number split equally between boys and girls.

Tickets -- £6/£5 concessions -- for the concerts may be obtained from David Kay 01942 845001 (office) or 01204 595938 (home).