BURNESIDE Brass Band has announced that for the 21st year it will be carrying out a whistle-stop tour of South Lakeland towns and villages to raise cash for charity.

It is the busiest time time of the year for the 29 volunteer musicians who begin their Yuletide fixtures on Friday November 28 at Underbarrow Hall and blast their final festive note on Tuesday December 23.

Chairman and Baritone horn player Oliver Bateman, a partner and chartered surveyor at property firm Carter Jonas in Kendal, said: “We normally give our services free of charge and let the organisers raise the money. But we are also a charity and need to bring in funds," said Mr Bateman. "Our big project is to build a new band room. We are hoping silent bids for a larger than life-sized felt robin, donated to us by retailer Armstrong Ward, will be a fun fundraiser. Anyone who wants to know more about this can look at our Facebook page noting the closing date is Friday November 28."

Local charities and organisations to benefit from the band’s Christmas concerts over the last 20 years include: the North West Air Ambulance, Barnardo’s, The Salvation Army, St John’s Hospice, Kendal Lions Club, Rotary Club of Windermere, Windermere Catholic Church, Kendal Parish Church and St Oswald's Church Burneside.

For a list of Christmas performances please visit: burnesidebrass.co.uk. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Stuart Bell 01539 720977.