Record breaking festive fundraising and the arrival of three new players has led to an exciting start to 2018 for Helston Town Band.

Members spent a busy few weeks in the run up to Christmas playing carols in the town and at Helston Tesco, collecting more money than ever before through these activities.

The band has also seen the arrival of three new members: Justin Carter, Lynn Richards and Steve Thomas.

Justin, from Illogan, joins his brother Shaun who is already a member, following periods with Heyl Band and Roche Brass. After helping out last summer, he has been persuaded to stay as an official member of the percussion section.

Lynn has recently taken on the flugelhorn, but was introduced to the tenor horn at the age of 11, at Penryn School, and taught by the renowned teacher and musician John Austin. She eventually joined her school band

Saracen Brass and enjoyed playing alongside her old music teacher for many years before joining Helston.

Finally, after many years on the conducting podium, Steve has returned to playing the euphonium. He works for a telecommunications company by day and is an avid Plymouth Argyle supporter at the weekend, also turning out for Leedstown Cricket Club and The Bird in Hand snooker team, and is a volunteer support worker for Mencap.

Band chairman Ben Curnow said: "Everyone involved with Helston Town Band wholeheartedly welcomes Justin,

Lynn and Steve to the organisation and hopes that this will be the start of a very long and happy association."

Preparations are now underway by the band ahead of its inclusion in the Festival of Cornish Brass at Newquay on February 3 and at the West of England Area Contest at Torquay on March 10.