Malvern hills District Brass Band has played a specially-composed anthem for Olympic rowing champion Sir Stephen Redgrave.

The band was asked to compose a piece to be played for Sir Stephen at the opening ceremony of the new clubhouse, at Worcester Rowing Club. The event took place last Saturday.

Sir Stephen Redgrave's March, written and arranged by friend of the band, Ken Smith, is a collection of fanfares and theme tunes played at the Olympics between 1984 and 2000.

It includes extracts from The Olympic Spirit, One Moment in Time, Barcelona and Dare to Dream, finishing with short bursts of The Eton Boating Song and Land of Hope and Glory.

Band spokesman Jenny Cobley said: "Sir Stephen was thrilled to bits when he heard it, and thanked the band for playing 'his' tune.

"He was presented with a copy of the score as a keepsake. It was a great occasion for us, we were very proud to be there."

After leading the Remembrance march in Malvern last Sunday, the band's next project is the annual Christmas concert.

Not Such a Silent Night is promised for this year's event, at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, on Saturday, December 6, featuring Hanley Castle High School Choir.

Music from the Beatles and the can-can are among more unconventional additions to the repertoire, although the band's seventh Christmas concert also promises to deliver some traditional sing-a-long classics.

Ms Cobley said: "This year's concert will be really lively and entertaining.

"We will perform more modern pieces, as well as including the usual favourites for people to come and sing along to.

"The public usually have a good time, and we love to perform, it's great fun for everyone."

This year's concert will be in aid of the Macmillan Worcestershire Appeal.

With Christmas approaching, the band will also be venturing out to collect money for the charity and bring a taste of Christmas spirit to shopping centres, pubs and other venues around the area.

The band's Not Such a Silent Night concert, at Huntingdon Hall, is at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7, on 01905 611427.