TALENTED youngsters in a village marching band have scooped top awards in a national contest.

Rubery Youth Marching Band has had a huge influx of young members this year so the leaders of the group decided to start again at the bottom of the Traditional Youth Marching Bands Association (TYMBA) classing structure and work their way up.

They entered the novice class, which is the lowest of the four classes.

Members took part in three contests and out of a possible 18 trophies the group scooped 15.

At the association's national finals in Cannock this month, Rubery Youth Marching Band was rewarded with the title of the national novice class champions winning four out of five section trophies and the novice league champions.

Bandmaster Jane Cotterill said: "This is an amazing achievement for the team as the average age of the band is only ten-and-a-half years.

"The members were a credit to Rubery Youth Marching Band and to themselves. A lot of people from other bands have commented that we are now the band to watch as we have a lot of potential to win more competitions in the future."

Jane added: "The band had fantastic support at the national finals from the parents and grandparents of the members. It means a lot to them when so many people are cheering and shouting for them to do well."

After winning the league title, the group has now been promoted to the next class which is the contest section.

New members, aged between eight and 18, can join the group, no experience is necessary and all equipment and professional tuition is provided. Non players are welcome, but Jane would like to hear from experienced players on brass, percussion and woodwind. For information call Jane on 07879 462370.