The popular musicians have started a beginners section and anyone interested in learning wind instruments is invited along to practice nights.

The teacher is Colin Kemp, conductor of the senior band and an instrumental instructor with Scottish Borders Council.

His wife Lynne explained: “He’s been approached by people lately saying that their kids really fancied taking up a brass instrument so that’s really how it got started.

“Although it’s mostly younger members, there is currently an adult learning, so it’s open to all ages. Anyone wanting to learn is more than welcome and this will hopefully be the future of the band.”

She added: “The kids that have started are all age seven upwards – they need to have their adult front teeth in before they can start to play!”

Selkirk Silver Band has a senior band of about 25 to 30 members, a junior band of about six as well as the six new beginners.

Lynne said: “We’ve had a couple of people who have left the senior band lately so there are vacancies: we’re always looking for members who used to play who wish to return to the band.”

The band was formed in 1897, Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Year and counts among one of its many highlights playing for Queen Elizabeth II on her Golden Jubilee Tour visit to Lauder. The senior band enters about three contests a year.

“The main contest for us is the Scottish Championships which are held in March every year. We contest in the second section and have actually qualified to play at the national finals about five times, “ said Lynne.

“The other main contest for us is the Borders Entertainment Contest which is held in November – it seems to grow every year, and, in fact, this year there is a waiting list for bands to participate.”

The beginners practices are from 6.15pm to 7pm in the band hall on Wednesdays. The senior band practices on Sunday and Thursday nights, while the junior band meets on Monday nights

More information from Colin Kemp on 01750 20513.