YOUNG musicians from Poole's Meridian Corps of Drums are preparing for the trip of a lifetime when they perform in Orlando's world-famous theme parks.

The band will parade through the streets of the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World ahead of a ground-breaking performance at Universal Studios.

A group of 47 people, to include 39 performers and eight chaperones, will jet off to the USA on January 27 after passing vigorous auditions to perform at two of the best-known venues in the States.

They will stay at Disney's Pop Century Resort for two weeks.

Bandmaster James Leonard said members have been fund raising for 18 months to turn their dream into a reality. Band members have paid part of the cost of the trip themselves with the rest coming from performances and events such as raffles and tombolas.

The Meridian Corps of Drums are the only marching band to perform at Walt Disney World in the past 10 years and the only youth band from the UK ever to perform at Universal Studios.

"The trip is going to be a proud moment for all involved and the parents at home who are so proud of their children travelling to the USA to perform" said James.

"This is a big deal for us and has given members the chance to go to the USA, some of whom would not have had the opportunity to go without the band."

He said the required funds have been raised by a determined team of helpers.

Band members are between the ages of eight and 24 and practice at the Parkstone Sea Cadet Hall.