A long-running band threatened with closure has issued a clarion call to musical youngsters across the city.

The York Railway Institute band section is more than 120 years old. There are two senior bands and a junior section, but the junior band could be facing the Last Post.

Theresa Robinson, the chairwoman of the band section, said the band - which caters for youngsters and older beginners - only had three members at present and would have to be wound up if more did not come forward. She said: "We're low on numbers. It's hit the point of extinction."

The junior section meets every Monday, between 6.30pm and 8pm, at the institute club, in Queen Street.

To join the junior section - or to book the senior band - phone Theresa on 01757 291105.