REJUVENATION is the name of the game for Lydney's refreshed training band which has grown from eight players to 32 players across the age range from seven to 17.

Professional music teacher Kerry Ford, who helps organise the band with husband, the band's musical director, Kevin, says the training band was first relaunched back in 2005.

"We started with eight new members and now we're up to 32. It's very healthy and we're just starting to do some public performances.

"We've been lucky in that we've had an influx of four or five families with a brass background and we've also managed to attract a number of adult learners who as they've seen their kids playing they've wanted to have a go.

"This has made for a really good atmosphere with the learners learning together and, in a way, growing up with each other. They all become mates and it keeps things together."

What the band has to keep an eye on, says Kerry, is attracting new blood as the core learners grow older.

"Gloucestershire Music are working on this, going into primary schools to encourage players. There are some good training bands around, Pillowell, Cinderford, Lydbrook, among others,

"What we'd really like to do is recreate the Lydney Town Band and start performing for charities. This would mean joining forces with the adults and those who are now training. In effect bringing the two bands together. It might not be this year, but it shouldn't be too long."

•Lydney Training Band has its own home in Swan Lane, Lydney and trains every Monday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The senior band trains from 7.30pm to 9.30pm every Friday.

Forthcoming events will include a concert at Goode Court (behind Lydney Royal British Legion Club), Lydney Festival and the Forest of Dean Opportunities Centre open day this coming July.

There is a website http://www.lydneytownband">www.lydneytownband. co.uk or email at kfordfamily@supanet. com