THE successes achieved by local band Forest of Dean Brass this year have been marked by the creation of a new piece of music written by musical director Martyn Ford.

Martyn's composition, 'Little Town' , was a gift to the band who played it at their annual Forest Christmas Concert held at Lydney Town Hall on Sunday evening.

Afterwards, brass band experts described the piece as a "cracking number" which revealed Martyn's great talent.

Under his baton, Forest Brass has enjoyed a successful contesting year during which they gained promotion to the First Section for 2012.

Sunday's concert was a sell-out and included carols and Christmas music by the band, a selection of songs from the Forest of Dean Male Voice Choir led by their musical director Tracey Gwynne and accompanied by Hayley Marangon, plus Forest verse from well known local poet Dave Harvey.