IT was time to strike up the bands for a day's workshop and concert in Hereford's Shire Hall.

Members of Hereford Youth Concert Band teamed up with the Band of the Prince of Wales's Division for the occasion - having had to wait a year for the meeting.

The youth band's director of music Peter Gittins explained that the two were originally due to get together for a second time last year but plans fell through when the military band members were called to the Gulf War.

He said that the youngsters had been looking forward to the band's arrival.

"They are always very friendly and the day gives the children a good insight into the life of a professional musician in the armed forces and the career prospects there if any youngsters are interested in going into the forces as a musician," he said.

Once the creative process of an all-day workshop was complete, family members, friends and guests enjoyed the fruits of their labours with the evening concert - with the military musicians resplendent in dress uniforms.