THE Ilkley based Two Rivers Concert Band entertained a packed Ilkley Baptist Church on the evening of Saturday, December 2.

They gave a free concert as part of the Ilkley Arts Festival, treating the audience to a varied programme of wind band music including songs from well-known musicals, some more classical pieces and of course some Christmas favourites.

Free refreshments were provided and band members excelled themselves baking home made cakes and biscuits. A collection in aid of the charity Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) raised almost £400.

Mike O'Farrell, their Musical Director, said: "I was thrilled with the performance we all created. The band's playing just gets better and better."

The following morning a small group of band members played Christmas Carols for shoppers at the Real Food Ilkley Market. And on Sunday afternoon the Two Rivers Swing Band directed by Trevor Vincent played a selection of Swing favourites with a bit of added Rock 'n Roll to visitors to Keighley's Cliffe Castle Museum. This was part of the Music at the Museum concert series. These two events raised another £135 for charity. This will be divided between the other two charities the band supports - the Sick Children's Trust and Clothing Solutions for Disabled People.

Band members will be found playing carols in various locations around Ilkley in the run up to Christmas, trying to raise even more money for charity.

Les Goldman the Two Rivers Bands chairman said: "Our players are all dedicated amateurs who just love playing music. If you get chance to enjoy their carol playing, please give generously so that we can raise a record amount to help others this Christmas."