A PROUD link-up with a world-famous brass band is music to the ears of a Barnsley school.

And the partnership is set to come alive as Grimethorpe Colliery Band plays a concert at Birkwood Primary in Cudworth.

This will be the third time the legendary band has played for the school and its community.

Headteacher Julie Allen says the school is ‘excited and grateful’.

“We are so proud of our strong links with the band,” she said. “They have inspired many of our children to play a brass instrument.”

Over the years, the teaming up has led to the formation of Birkwood Brass, an ensemble which came second in national championships last year.

The school got to know the band about four years ago when principal cornetist Dr Roger Webster was asked if the band would support a topic on local heritage.

“They came to play and we have continued to be involved,” said Mrs Allen. “The children love it, as does the whole community.”

The school’s music co-ordinator Esther Sutton said: “The concert is a really kind gesture and one of the many positive outcomes of our little school’s partnership with our world-famous neighbours.

“This will be a very special Christmas celebration. It will really showcase so many of the positives achieved from schools partnering professional ensembles.”

The concert is on Monday at 7.15pm. Admission is by ticket only and the concert is set to be a sell-out.