Watford Band has won a place in the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain finals in September.

Member Irma Mullins tells me: “The musical director Ian Graves and the band have worked hard to get through to the final, which is a huge achievement and one of which we are very proud.

“It’s been ten years since we were in the final and we will be competing with 19 other finalists from all over the country.

“We know it will be tough, but we are determined to go to win.”

The cost of running the band and hiring practice space adds up to around £6,000 year.

Taking the band, 25 players in all, to the final of the competition is an additional expense and so they are raising £1,000 to cover costs.

Irma adds: “There wouldn’t be a band without the energy and enthusiasm of its members. Unfortunately, enthusiasm in itself is not enough”

The band are busking outside Tesco Extra, Lower High Street, Watford, WD17 2BD from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, August 12.

Donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/irma-mullins-1