THE Sellers International Brass Band took centre stage at the Corn Exchange and raised more than £1000 for two Suffolk charities.The audience was treated to an evening of superb brass band music on Saturday when the world-renowned Huddersfield band visited Ipswich.

THE Sellers International Brass Band took centre stage at the Corn Exchange and raised more than £1000 for two Suffolk charities.

The audience was treated to an evening of superb brass band music on Saturday when the world-renowned Huddersfield band visited Ipswich.

The band, who have appeared on Songs of Praise, played well-known film music as well as traditional brass compositions.

Organised by the Ipswich Charity Concerts Committee, and supported by the Evening Star, the evening raised much-needed funds for The Woolverstone Project, which takes disabled people out sailing, and Rhythm of Life, which raises funds to buy valuable cardiac equipment for Ipswich Hospital.

Secretary for the Ipswich Charity Concerts Committee Tim Mutum said: "It was a great thrill to have such a top band back in Ipswich. They delighted the audience with their playing and varied programme which was skilfully linked together by conductor Phillip McCann."

A highlight of the evening was the band's quartet of soloists and especially principal cornet player Kirsty Abbotts who received a well deserved round of applause for her performance of William Rimmers' polka Hailstorm.

There is more brass on the way for music lovers as the next concert to be presented by the Ipswich is the Brighouse and Rastrick Band who appear in the Corn Exchange on June 15 and tickets are now available from the box office on Ipswich 433100.