THE Abertillery Town Brass Band are celebrating their first win in 29 years at a Wales brass band competition.

Following almost 30 years without a win, the Abertillery band gave what was described as a 'great performance' at the national finals of the West Wales Brass Band Association contest on Saturday, October 3.

Musical director Josh Ruck was awarded first place and given a trophy as winning conductor, while flugelhorn player David Rees was awarded the prize for best instrumentalist.

Mr Rees said: "We only found out about the 29 year period since the last victory in the week leading up to this contest.

"While the band did not compete for a decent chunk of this time, we were all determined to end this unwanted record and delighted when the result was announced.

"For the band to collect the Best Instrumentalist prize as well was the icing on the cake for us, and the winning conductor trophy for Josh was a fitting reward for all of his hard work with the band over the past 12 months.

"His mature and musical direction of the band means that we have a settled and well motivated band that is looking forward to embracing the challenge of competing in a higher section next year.”

Musical director, Josh Ruck, added: “It was great to lead the band again on Saturday. They produced another great performance of one of the best lower section test pieces I have ever worked on.

"The fact that it has been 29 years is rather surreal as it means this is the first win for the band in my lifetime!”