GUISELEY Brass Band is being helped to play on thanks to a grant of thousands of pounds from masons.

The band, which was founded in about 1870, has been able to buy two new bass instruments or tubas after receiving £3,000 from West Riding Masonic Charities.

The new instruments will replace old pieces which have been in use since 1936 - and which were suffering from old age, faults, knocks and scrapes.

The band is an important part of the Guiseley community and plays at many charity events in the Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley areas. It can be seen playing carols around the local streets every Christmas morning.

A masonic spokesman said: “The new modern tubas, having a wider bore, will greatly enhance the general sound quality and are easier to play, thus encouraging younger musicians to join the 148 year old band and helping it to continue playing well into the foreseeable future.”

The members of, Guiseley based, Fairfax Masonic Lodge secured the grant on the band’s behalf .

In 1936, when the previous instruments were newly acquired, the director was Whybert Stevenson, who led the band for 31 years. His son, Roy Stevenson, has been musical director for 58 years - making a continuous family connection of 89 years in total.