music champions Smithills School Senior Brass Band face a race against time to compete in a major international contest.

The band, headed by musical director Chris Wormald, has already been national champions three years running, embarked on several successful tours abroad, taken part in many prestigious concerts and performed numerous times on TV.

Now they face their ultimate challenge after being offered a place in the 1997 World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Holland, in July.

The competition is only held once every four years but before the 44 children in the band can take part, £16,000 has to be raised in addition to the £4,000 needed to record their new compact disc this month.

"I have to raise in excess of £16,000 in just 16 weeks - and the task feels more daunting than ever as I start out," said Mr Wormald.

A team of parents, staff and pupils are starting fund-raising and they are also looking for sponsors and financial contributors.

Mr Wormald has written hundreds of letters to local businesses and the kitty now stands at nearly £4,000.

"Even if I have to go into to debt to do it we are going," said Mr Wormald.

Competing in the world championships against many of the world's best adult ensembles is the band's biggest achievement and will come just two days after they defend their national title at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

"The kids are really excited. The whole place is going bananas," said Mr Wormald.

To make sure the band is performing at its peak, the children have given up all their Easter holidays, weekends and lunchtimes to rehearse.

"This is our best year ever. We have some cracking kids and they work very hard," said Mr Wormald.

People in Bolton will be able to get a sneak preview of the band's world championship programme in a special concert at Bolton's Victoria Hall on July 7.

Anyone who wants to help fund their challenge can contact Mr Wormald on Bolton 842382.

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