IT was just over a year ago that bass drummer Jack Dixon walked into the BEN office and asked: "Don't you think our band is worth a feature?"

We did, and last February Bolton Scottish Pipe Band Pipe Major Steve Milner was quoted in that feature when he prophesied the beginning of a new chapter for the group of kilted musicians whose ages range from primary school age to pensionable.

He was right: an increase in membership, a Lottery grant of £21,000 and further competition successes have put put Bolton firmly on the Scottish music map.

And no-one can say the leader's family hasn't set an example - for all Steve's clan are involved.

Although the band had never entered before, Steve took members to the North West of England Trio Piping Competition at Birkenhead and they surprised themselves.

In the adult piping trios, Bolton's Iain Crowder, Iain McCleod and Steve took first prize.

In the junior trio piping competition, Steve led son Robert, nine, and 11-year-old Andrew Markland, to first place. And in the solo drumming event, our 13-year-old Charlotte Lynch claimed a first and Andrew Markland took second.

Cups galore for the locals.

Jack said: "The band is increasing and it's going to be a pipe band to be reckoned with."

At some point a junior band may form up and, with a Scottish dance team, it seems probable the future may bring even more successes.

Steve, aged 34, of Blackrod, began playing the pipes at nine and has Scottish grand-parentage.

He has been Pipe Major for two years and is married to Jackie, 33, a side drummer in the band and the daughter of a former Pipe Major, Jack Birch, who played at Bolton's Victoria Hall.

The couple' children are all involved. Robert, nine, is a piper, Kirsty, eight, is a dancer and plays the tenor drum and Kathryn, five, is a dancer. Nephew David Webb, seven, is a piper.

Happily, the family don't all rehearse at home.

And to round off the clan involvement, Steve's parents, Noel and Jean, of Horwich, are also dancers.

Jackie said: "I joined about two years ago because I thought 'if you can't beat them, join them'."

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