Sandbach's world-famous Foden's Band have been crowned the North West Area champions – for the 24th time.

The top musicians competed in the North West Area competition at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool at the weekend.

The contest is a qualification for the Nationals Finals which are held at the Royal Albert Hall, London in October which Foden's won in October.

Sandbach Nub News told how Foden's won here. in October.

Now the town's award-winning musicians are to defend their National Brass Band Title in October.

A condition of winning the October title was that they entered the area contest at the weekend.

A spokesman for Foden's said: "Each of the 12 leading bands from the North West Area performed a set test piece - this year the chosen piece was 'Contest Music' by composer Wilfred Heaton

"After a solid performance Foden's were crowned the 'North West Area Champions' for a record 24th time with their trombone section being awarded a prize for the best trombone section of the contest.

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"Adjudicators Anne Crookston and Robert Childs commented on the quality of the performance and that Foden's were the 'clear' winners."

Second place in the North West Area competition went to Leyland while third place went to Oldham.