The hugely successful Poulton-le-Fylde brass band are on the lookout for a new leader after the departure of their inspirational director.

After a successful 12 months leading the band, Captain Gary Clegg has decided to depart from the band due to personal reasons.

After spending three years as the band`s principal trombone performer and then 12 a year as its musical director, Gary`s leadership and skill was credited with taking the band to third place at the 2007 National Finals in Harrogate.

Band spokesman Andy Moore said: “The band wishes to thank Gary for his contribution to its success in recent years and also wishes him all the very best in his future musical career.”

As the band now finds itself in the Championship Section from 2009, it is now on the lookout for an enthusiastic and talented musical director.

Andy said: “In recent years the band has had its best period of success in its 134 year history, and we long for this to continue with the arrival of a new musical director. I would personally like to thank Gary for all the hard work he has put in over the past few years.”

The band are now seeking applications for the vacancy and anyone interested should communicate with the band’s secretary, Neil Jones, via the band’s website www.poultonband.org.uk.

Elsewhere the Poulton Youth Band, led by Mr John Squires-Evans have celebrated their sixth anniversary by gaining a number of new young members.

Many of the Youth Band currently play for the National Childrens Band of Great Britain.

In 2009, the band hopes to go contesting for the first time hoping to emulate the recent success of the senior band, which recruits some players from their ranks.