BRASS band members from York are to blow their own trumpets in a national contest after receiving sponsorship from train operator Arriva Trains Northern.

York Railway Institute Brass Band can now meet the expenses of taking part in the Boosey & Hawkes championships final in Preston this weekend.

The 33-strong band are battling against the nation's top brass at the event, on September 22 and 23.

"Sponsorship from Arriva has meant a great deal to us - it's been a godsend," said band chairman Clive Marshall.

The band will play a challenging composition by Phil Spark at the two-day event in Preston, Lancashire.

Euan Cameron, managing director of Arriva Trains, said: "All the players take the event very seriously and we were keen to provide our support - especially in view of the railway connection."

Updated: 12:33 Thursday, September 20, 2001