MUSICIANS were celebrated and volunteer helpers were thanked when Wight Diamonds Marching Band held its annual awards evening.

The band came together to celebrate its 19th successful season. Band chairman Ilona Rayner opened the evening and alongside band master, Simon Tutton, presented a variety of awards to players in the woodwind, brass and percussion sections.

The top award, the Gilbert Marshall Diamond Award, voted for by all playing members, went to band supporters Tracy Cheverton, Ali Downer and Kev Downer who walk behind the band at carnivals, carrying the band's banner and keeping the players topped up with water.

The Gerry Ashman Memorial Award for Pride on Parade was presented to Sheonagh Woodford.

Junior and senior awards for each section were awarded to Jamie Buckett and Denise Tizard (junior and senior brass respectively), Ilona Rayner (senior woodwind) and Billy Halsey and Andy Hallam (junior and senior percussion respectively).

The Newcomer Award for players in their first and second seasons was won by Matt Cheverton and the Bandmaster's award was won jointly by Nikki Sheard and Nigel Cheverton.

Anyone interested in joining can contact John Wersby on 527239, visit www.wdmb.org or find the band on Facebook.