LAST year Flixton Band was made homeless after losing its base of more than 10 years.

Thanks to Messenger, the brass ensemble found three new homes and now the group, which has

been making music since 1877, has another success to report.

Flixton Community Band, FB's training arm, made its first public appearance at the Marlborough Road Allotments Open Day.

The group, set up to give people the experience of playing in a brass band, played for an appreciative Flixton audience.

The generation gap doesn't exist when it comes to FCB - members range in age from five to 70.

It is hoped people who join FCB will progress to the main band and membership currently stands at

nearly 30 musicians.

Danny Lowery, band co-ordinator said: 'I am so pleased that they have made great progress in just over a year and they should be pleased with themselves as they played very well!'

* Anyone who missed Flixton Communiity Band's musical debut can see them at the Flixton, Urmston and Davyhulme Carnival on September 6.

Flixton Band were formed as Flixton Volunteer Band and one of its most famous engagements was playing at the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal, by Queen Victoria, in 1894.

The band has always been fiercely proud of its Flixton roots. But in 1993 Flixton Band took its music to a Danish audience when they toured the country thanks to a national lottery grant. Other European performances include playing in what was then West Germany in 1981.

Anyone interested in finding more about Flixton Community Band should email Danny at flixband@aol.com.

Flixton Band would also like to hear from anyone who has an item or information relating to its long and distinguished musical history. Anyone who can help should visit the Flixtxon Band website at flixtonband.org.uk.