The Vernon Poynton Brass Band has appointed a new director.

Dane Stig Maersk directed the band at the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February following the departure of Neil Samuel.

Maersk has now agreed to take on the role full-time.

Band chairman Gary White said: “Stig is a very talented conductor who was recommended to us.

“We are delighted he has agreed to join us and look forward to working with him.

“The band would also like to offer sincere thanks to resident conductor Iain McKnight for stepping in over Christmas, leading rehearsals and fronting a fantastic Christmas concert at the Civic Hall in Poynton.”

Born in Denmark, Maersk was principal cornet with the Danish National Champion Band, Concord Brass, before studying at the Danish Royal Academy.

Since moving to The UK, Stig has conducted Hepworth, Pemberton Old Wigan, Wakefield Metropolitan and Yorkshire Imps.

The Vernon Brass Band’s next appearance is on Saturday, March 25, with Chapel Male Voice Choir at St Thomas’s Church in Stockport town centre. Tickets are £8, with £6 concessions.

The band, which is sponsored by the Vernon Building Society, is also looking to recruit a solo cornet, principal cornet, bass trombone and second euphonium.

For more details, go to the band’s website.