THE Ledbury March, music written specially for the town, will be heard for the first time in public on Remembrance Sunday, - in honour of those who marched away, never to return.

In was in March 2013 when members of the Ledbury Community Brass Band first decided to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

They decided that this would be done by commissioning the town's very own march, - to be premiered at the 2014 Remembrance Day parade.

Angela Higgleton, communications officer for the band said: "For some years the band has been featured playing under the Market House in Ledbury, town centre entertaining and accompanying the large crowd attending the annual parade.

"And this year musical director John Frith’s ‘Ledbury March’ will be heard for the first time in public, - on Remembrance Sunday November 9."

She added: "Sponsorship by local businesses has funded the venture to the tune of over £900. Some of the money has been used to fund the purchase of a much needed new cornet and additional percussion instruments.

"Our generous sponsors will be invited to hear a preview performance of ‘Ledbury March’ when they join us for a glass of wine during our final rehearsal on Thursday November 6, at Ledbury Primary School, when we can pass on our special thanks to Orme and Slade, Shane Howells, The Feathers, Butler and Sweatman, Ledbury Town Council, the Methodist church and Vernon Webb."

Ledbury Community Brass Band hopes to make a recording of their new piece which will be available to all interested parties.

John Frith, who lives in Ledbury, trained at the Guildhall School of Music, and he won the Brass and School Composition prizes in 1970 and 1971.

He has written for wind, brass, strings and voices and has published many pieces, some of which have been professionally recorded.