A SCHOOL brass band has hit the right note after scooping a £4,000 grant in an initiative set up to help community projects.

Foxhill Primary School has been awarded the money through the Tesco ‘Bags of Help’ scheme following a vote at the Queensbury store.

Customers were given a token when buying their shopping, which they then used to cast their vote.

And after going up against two other worthy causes, the school couldn’t be prouder of its achievement.

The band was set up at the school in a bid to continue Queensbury’s musical legacy, following in the footsteps of the world-renowned Black Dyke Band which is based in the village.

And it’s hoped this important aspect of community life will continue through the youngsters involved in Foxhill’s band - a dream made all the more possible thanks to the funding boost.

Headteacher Sally Hey said the band relies on funding and described the grant as “massive” for the pupils involved.

“It’s fantastic,” she said.

“We are absolutely delighted and we are so grateful to people who voted for us.

“I can’t believe we have got the top prize and I can’t thank people enough.

“Music is a big part of the curriculum, but we struggle to keep it so because of funding.”

The money will be used to buy some new bags, some new instruments and new music stands for the band, which boasts around 18 to 19 children.

She added: “The children are delighted.

“They are just waiting for the new stuff now.

“They love to go out and perform and they do really well.

“It’s about the children and their opportunities.”

The band has built strong links with the Black Dyke Band and some pupils have gone on to play with other bands.

“Some of them are just natural players,” Mrs Hey said.

“Everybody has got a different way in life and we hope we are giving them skills for life.”

Back in 2014, staff at the school, on Brighouse and Denholme Road, put out a call for new members to help bolster the band.

And after an overwhelming response, the school made a plea through the T&A for Queensbury residents to donate any unwanted instruments - and just a few months later, the band received donations of both instruments and cash.

Mrs Hey said the band was going from strength to strength, with herself, staff and parents helping out to play.

The cheque was officially be presented at the Queensbury store yesterday morning.

The band also played during the ceremony.