A FAMOUS band has taken to the stage — for the first time in 85 years.

Musicians have signed up to become members of the Horwich RMI Band, which in its heyday was world class, and won the title of Champions of Great Britain and the Colonies.

In a move to celebrate Horwich’s heritage as the Loco Works are redeveloped, musician Andrea Moss staged a meeting to re-start the band.

She said: “The re-launch went really well, it was a success. The community is aware that we are re-forming the band now and have players who are interested in taking part.

“Miller Metcalfe is sponsoring us and we are being supported by Horwich RMI.”

The new band staged a mini-concert and cut a special cake to mark the occasion.

The next step is to achieve the recognition the band did 85 years ago.

And more ensembles are to be launched.

A youth band will be started in September led by musical director Anne Hughes Williams, who is a renowned player, and in January a beginners’ band will be launched.

Plans are being drawn up to launch a community band for those who have not played in a band before and would like to play for fun.

Already there has been a lot of interest from musicians, including from those whose family played in the original band.

The original Horwich RMI (Railway Mechanics Institute) Band was established in 1912 by George Hughes. Miss Moss is the great granddaughter of Mr Moss.

To be part of the band or for more information email brassmusicteacher@gmail.com