IT IS with great sadness that Camelford Town Band must report the passing of Mr Douglas Hodge, at the age of 82 years.

Mr Hodge's passion for brass banding began at the very young age of 10 when he joined his local branch of the Salvation Army. Little did he know that in years to come they would ask him to lead their junior band, becoming the man in the middle for the first time, a task which proved to be the making of such a talented young man. Alongside teaching the junior band, Mr Hodge enjoyed playing in many of his local bands including the likes of Lindley and Linthwaite.

From here, Douglas became involved with Milnsbridge Youth Club and true to form a band was set up in no time at all. The 1970s saw the formation of Paddock Youth Band, where over the next two decades hundreds of local youngsters learnt how to play and found themselves in the world of brass banding.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.