A 125-year-old town band is holding a free concert to celebrate its landmark anniversary.

Grays Town Band, which formed in 1888, will also perform a special march to mark the anniversary at the event on Saturday, September 7.

Comprised of players aged between seven and 77, the band has a vast repertoire to draw on. It regularly holds themed concerts such as Queen, Abba, Blues Brothers, 1970s, 1980s, Disney and motown.

When first formed, the band were known as Sons of Temperance Band. In 1905, the band became known as the Grays District Temperance Band, when it also moved headquarters.

In 1906 the name changed again, this time to Grays Temperance Band which was kept until 1950, when, briefly, the name was changed once more to Thurrock Silver Band. It then went back to Grays Temperance Band before becoming Grays Town Band in 1987.

The band has enjoyed success locally, nationally and on the continent, with accolades including being eight-times Essex champions and bagging two first-placed prizes at contests in Holland.

The concert on Saturday is a joint venture between ENJO Jazz Orchestra, a North London ensemble, and the Town Band will take place at the United Reformed Church, in Bradleigh Avenue, Grays.

All are welcome to join in the celebration, which starts at 6.30pm.

For more information go www.graystownband.co.uk or call Claire Mason, the band secretary, on 07813 338105.