BNS answers call to help out band; View from Bridges.

A HELPING hand from a North East telecoms firm was music to the ears of Prudhoe Community Band.

Prudhoe-based BNS Telecom donated a glockenspiel worth pounds 850 to the band, with cash from its charity fund.

With about 60 members ranging in age from seven to 70, the band welcomes musicians of all abilities. Half of the members are under 25 - many are pupils at Prudhoe High School.

The band is a vital part of life in Prudhoe encouraging young people to take part and make new friends. A number of families are members as well.

BNS marketing director Andrew Crawford said: "With all this talk of the credit crunch and economic downturn, it is really good to able to help community projects that might otherwise suffer.

"We especially love to see young people getting involved and giving up their free time to take part in community activities that enrich their lives and the lives of those who hear them."

BNS employs more than 250 in the region and its charity fund was started last year to support local causes.

Prudhoe Community Band plays a variety of music from films scores, jazz and big band anthems to classical pieces. It is almost entirely run by volunteers.

The instrument was handed over by Moz Murphy-Scott, a senior corporate account manager in BNS customer services.

The band approached BNS because it was keen to improve the sound of its percussion section with a glockenspiel.

Adrian Rees, responsible for fundraising for the band, said: "We are really grateful to BNS Telecom. The band is a great asset to the community and the support of companies like BNS makes all the difference to us."

CAPTION(S):

MAKING MUSIC From left, fundraiser Adrian Rees; Moz Murphy-Scott of BNS Telecom, percussionist Daniel Reed, leader of percussion section Jack Ruddick and Steve Quilliam, chairman Prudhoe Community Band.