THE recently revived Thurrock Marching Brass Band triumphed in a national competition – bringing a string of awards back to the borough.

The British Youth Band Association Cadet Class National Championship win came at the end of an undefeated season for the band and three years after it was reformed.

It is the band’s first national title in 30 years.

The talented youngsters were forced to fend off a last-minute challenge by the 37th Kingswood Cadets, who were six-times winners of the National Cadet Class Championship, but held out for the win in Crannock, West Midlands.

In addition to the title, the band walked away with awards for music detail, music effect, colourguard and visual detail.

The boys and girls, decked out in their blue and gold uniforms, also won the the 2013 British Youth Band Association Cadet League title.

Chairman Paul Morgan, who brought the South Ockendon-based marching band back to life, said: “As a member of the original band for over 15 years myself, my aim was to bring back to Thurrock something all could be proud of.

“It has developed into a truly amazing experience for everyone involved, not least for all the youngsters who are now a part of this organisation.

“The legacy our great founder, David Loader established 40 years ago has been ignited once more through this relaunch, which took place in 2010, some 21 years after the original band folded.

"In three short years we have given the members experiences that will last them a lifetime, and to bring home the first British marching band championship for Thurrock since 1983 has made all the efforts even more worthwhile.”

Mr Morgan thanked corps director Darren Crisp and his deputy, Ken Mansfield, along with William Edwards School headteacher Steve Munday for allowing the band to rehearse there.

He added: “I was in the band when we won the 1983 British Championships at the highest level and remember just how I felt hearing our name read out as the champions.

“For our youngsters to experience that makes me one of the proudest men in Thurrock.”