A Bradford band is calling out for new pipers to continue its proud 92-year tradition of providing Scottish entertainment.

The City of Bradford Pipe Band is keen to recruit new members young and old, no matter what experience they may possess.

The band, set up in 1915 as part of an initiative to encourage young men to join the Army, has a long tradition of training beginners to play the bagpipes and drums and even perform Highland dancing.

Band secretary Brian Slack, 73, of Beechwood Avenue, Wibsey, said he wants people prepared to put in the year's work he believes is needed before they can march with the band.

He said: "I reckon it will take you 12 months to learn to play the pipes. I would warn people, if you want to play be prepared to have a 12-month period training then you will be ready."

Wearing Hunting Stewart Tartan and feather bonnets, the pipers and drummers draw the crowds as much for their appearance as for the music they make.

"We will provide everything needed - the uniform, instruments and anything else," said Mr Slack.

"All it costs is £1 per week."

The band's membership stands at 18, although there are five trainees in the ranks as well.

Mr Slack said: "Most of the people who are in our band have gone through a training stage.

"We are very lucky if we can pick someone up who has some playing experience - we really do need to think about starting from scratch.

"Eighteen members isn't that good if someone can't get off work or is poorly.

"Traditionally we have done galas, although they are a bit out of fashion at the moment, so we are going more and more for playing in parks and at things such as Keighley Agricultural Show and remembrance days.

"We did one in Preston where we turned up and played at midnight for someone's birthday.

"But we could be a lot busier if we had more people to rely on, because at the moment I have to be a bit careful with how many bookings I take - if you book too many it can be too much for people."

Mr Slack, who started with the band 50 years ago after leaving the RAF, said drummers and pipers can be adults or children aged ten years old or over, while dancers are usually girls of eight and above.

The band practices on Wednesday evenings at Thornbury TA Barracks in Pudsey at 7.45pm.

For more information or if you are interested in joining the band, contact Mr Slack on (01274) 678678.