Nick Smith MP has celebrated the success of a Blaenau Gwent band after their victory at a national competition.

Ebbw Valley Brass have now made it three wins in a row at the Nationals, taking place this year at Cheltenham.

They will now be in section one for 2016 after three successive promotions, most recently impressing the judges with their performance of Stephen Roberts’ The Snaring of the Sun.

Speaking after the televised event, Band President Mr Smith said it was fantastic to see local talents performing on the big stage.

“We are all well aware of the musical heritage of Blaenau Gwent, but it is still great to see our bands succeeding at the top”, he said.

“To think the band is only four years old after the merger of Cwm and Ebbw Vale makes this all the better.

“They, alongside the likes of Tredegar Town Band, are proof that not only do we still have strong community traditions but that they are thriving to this day.”

Simon Williams, secretary and second euphonium with the band, said musical director Gareth Ritter has been one of the big keys to their recent success.

“This is a good thing for Blaenau Gwent, there are a lot of bands in the area and I think it’s always something that goes down well generally”, he said.

“We’re well on our way and pretty pleased with ourselves after this result. We’re doing well and it’s a lot of fun too.”

• Ebbw Valley Brass practices on Monday evenings from 5.30pm-7pm for all ages and abilities, including free tuition, at Tyllwyn Old School, Greenfield Terrace, NP23 6AQ