MEMBERS of Verwood Concert Brass have been awarded a coveted prize named after one of their former members.

The Wessex Brass Band Association Winter Contest saw the band's bass section - made up of Nigel Tiller, Mike Dunnings, Duncan Smith and Jane Cottee - awarded the coveted Arthur Spencer Trophy for the best bass section.

The trophy was donated to the Wessex Brass Band Association in 2005 in memory of Mr Spencer following his death at the age of 89.

He was the son of Tommy Spencer - a renowned bass player who conducted Verwood and Shrewton Bands and was a past president of the Wessex Brass Band Association.

In 1979, euphonium-player Arthur was awarded, like his father before him, the National Brass Band Club award for playing for 50 years. He also received a similar award from the Wessex Brass Band Association. Arthur decided to retire in 1985, aged 70, but remained a committee member becoming band president in 1986. In 1995 he opened the new band hall, the main hall of which was named the Spencer Room in his family’s honour for their contribution to the Verwood Band over the years.

Mr Tiller, had the pleasure of playing alongside Mr Spender in the band before his retirement.

“Since 2005 we had seen other bass sections from other bands winning the Arthur Spencer Trophy and it was just a dream that one day we might actually win that trophy ourselves and bring it home to the Spencer Room in our band hall," he said. "But on Saturday that dream came true and it was a very proud moment indeed, made all the more special by the connection back to Arthur.

"Arthur was a great bass player and even after he stopped playing he attended all the band’s concerts and took great pride in the band’s achievements and progress. He would have been delighted with Verwood’s recent rise back up to the Championship section and all the contest awards received but as a bass player I’m sure he would have been extra delighted with us winning the best bass section award.”

The conductor Kevin Smith was also awarded for the best musical interpretation of a score and the Kevin Bolton Plaque was presented to Elaine Close, the principal cornet, for the best instrumentalist.