ONE of East Lancashire's longest running brass bands are appealing for new faces to help them continue running.

Balderstone Brass Band which started 1873 and still perform for events around the area.

However, in a passionate appeal on Facebook, musical director Alaistair Greenhalgh said they have to 'decide on the future of the band.

"Despite trying our best, we have not been able to grow the members of the band.

"Unless we can get some new members and learners in the band create and encourage new engagements to make the band a more inviting group along with the support of the local community at our concerts and fundraising events then the time will come very soon to call it a day for Balderstone Brass Band."

The group held an open discussion about their future at Mellor Village Hall on Monday.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Alaistair said: "We don't contest at the moment due to numbers but were at the Blackburn and Darwen March contest last year.

"We are down to a core of seven players while a full band has 25.

"It is difficult to rehearse and provide for any of our concerts and we have to borrow players for one day as they can't make rehearsal.

"We did quite a lot of events over Christmas and every January we get together to do a charity concert and this year we want to do it for Meningitis and will be having a Disney theme."

Alaistair has been impressed with the response since they posted the appeal on Facebook but they still are looking for more members.

He said: "We are having a push for people to play and they could be from eight to 108.

"We offer free lessons and offer an instrument on loan and it will give some kids some music as it is a shame that music is not provided as much as it used to.

"It is a shame as kids are involved in sport, ballet and swimming and they don't have time to do it.

"It will be open for people from Mellor and surrounding areas but anywhere as we had someone interested in coming from Blackpool to learn."

If you are interested in fighting to keep the band going or take up playing in the band then you should email alaistairgreenhalgh@gmail.com.