IT'S a fair cop for the Tenbury Teme Valley Band. They have finally got together with the Band of the West Mercia Constabulary for a big fundraising concert in aid of Tenbury Hospital.

It has been a long time coming for the talented Tenbury Valley musicians who have been trying to link up with the police band for more than two years. Conductor Mary Osborne and everyone in the band is delighted.

Band spokesman Ann Turner said: "This is quite a coup. We have been trying to slot into their very busy schedule for a long time and now it really is going to happen.

"The West Mercia is a highly professional brass band, much sought-after for concerts all over the country. Our wind and brass play to a very high standard and has a very good musical reputation and we are highly honoured to be in concert with them.

"Playing together will be very good for the town, and excellent experience for the younger members of our band. The evening at the Regal promises to be of the highest musical standard and we are proud to be involved," she added.

Established in 1988, the Band of the West Mercia Police enjoys considerable success in the contesting arena in the UK and Europe and in concert performances at home and overseas.

A recent highlight was to share the stage with comedienne Victoria Wood at Birmingham's Symphony Hall in a spectacular one-off special evening that raised more than £30,000 for cancer charities.

West Mercia Police Band chairman Eddie Barry said: "We are delighted to be invited to Tenbury, particularly for such a very good cause.

"The evening will be a pleasurable one for all of us, it will be the first time the two bands have played together in concert and we are very much looking forward to the visit."

The concert starts at 7.30pm at the Regal on June 14 and there will also be refreshments and a prize draw.

Early booking is essential and tickets are available now at Books, Books, Books and Gwythers in Teme Street, Tenbury Wells.