FOLLOWING a recent appeal by Prestatyn Town Council for a marching band to lead the town’s Remembrance Parade, the ‘call to arms’ has been answered.

For many years, the local Air Cadet band has led the Remembrance parade and represented the town at national and international events.

However, due to the loss of the bandmaster and dwindling musicians, the band is currently unable to perform.

North Wales Police Detective Inspector Tim Evans, himself a former Air Cadet and band member saw the social media appeal and decided to contact former members with a view to reforming the band for the remembrance parade.

Tim said: "Current circumstances meant that the band was unavailable and so I decided to put out a ‘call to arms’ to former Air Cadets and lifelong friends. The response was instant and overwhelming.

"Due to the life values instilled by the RAF Air Cadet Organisation, it was of real importance to everyone that the band reform, demonstrating their civic pride in Prestatyn and remembering the sacrifice given by so many.’

As many as 20 current and former band members will come together for the first time on Sunday before the parade. Most do not read music, learnt by ear and have not played in over 20 years, having families and commitments of their own. Former Prestatyn resident and drummer, Karl Jones has travelled from Kent - such is the commitment to the cause.

Tim added: "Our youth organisations’ within the town provide a fantastic service to this community. I met my wife through Air Cadets and two of our own children currently attend.

"Sam Housam, Commanding Officer of Prestatyn Air Cadets, has been outstanding in allowing us to use the instruments and I am extremely grateful to Mr David Gladwin stepping in as bandmaster, without whom this might not have been possible. Air Cadets provided fantastic opportunities and a platform in life for us all. We hope that the event inspires other youths to join and reinvigorate the band".

Prestatyn Town Council say they are "extremely grateful" to the band members who answered this appeal and sincerely wish to give thanks for their service.