AN INVERCLYDE youth band says a recent funding boost from the National Lottery is ‘music to their ears’ as they bid to bring more budding musicians on board.

Riverside Youth Band has been awarded £8,200 to invest in more instruments, allowing more youngsters to get involved.

News of the funding came as the band took to the stage in Port Glasgow for its eleventh anniversary summer concert.

More than 200 people enjoyed the performance under musical director Mark Good.

The show also saw the band’s youngest members – known as the Riverside Rookies – take the first steps in their musical journey, led by Laura Good.

Duncan Galbraith, chairman of the band, said: “This funding award from the National Lottery is, quite literally, music to our ears.

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"Over the past decade, Riverside Youth Band has steadily grown as it continues to welcome more and more young people to make music in a safe, nurturing environment, and this funding award enables us to continue to widen our provision to ensure we can continue to provide opportunities through music."

Riverside Youth Band is one of ten Inverclyde groups to benefit from a share of £250,000 in National Lottery funding.

Others include Moving On Inverclyde, Inverclyde Homeless Forum, and Craigmarloch School.

Kate Still, the National Lottery Community Fund’s Scotland chair, said: “National Lottery funding can make amazing things happen in local communities across the country.

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"This project delivered by Riverside Youth Band is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others.

"National Lottery players can be proud to know that the money they raise is helping to support this vital work which is making a real difference to so many.”

Riverside Youth Band’s focus now turns to its awards night and ceilidh on June 16, as it brings the curtain down on a busy year.

The group rehearses in Port Glasgow New Parish Church on Friday afternoons, with young brass and percussion players welcome to join.

For more information, contact Duncan at info@riversideyouthband.co.uk or on 07974 106888