A Brentwood youth band has been awarded �85,000 to help pay for its new band room.

The Brentwood Royal British Legion Youth Band is building its own band and concert hall as an extension to its current building in The Drive, Warley.

The money was awarded by councillors sitting on the Assizes Trust to help pay for the cost of a new room, and matches �85,000 already raised by the band with the help of a Big Society grant.

Band director John Wyndham said they needed space to expand the group, to practise, and to perform.

He said: “We are very fortunate that we already have a band room, but we have outgrown it and needed more room.

“We decided to build our own room so that we could use it for concerts too. Last winter we couldn’t get outside to practise because of the wet weather and we didn’t have enough room inside, so the new room would be perfect for this.”

He added: “We are so grateful to the council because they have invested in the future of our youth. I am also relieved as it has taken so much pressure off us and we can get on with the work we are supposed to be doing, which is keeping the youths busy.”

Cllr David Tee said: “The Brentwood Royal British Legion Youth Band is well known locally for providing a high quality facility for young people. But their lack of space means that they haven’t been able to take on new members.

“So it’s great that we have been able to help them with the cost of a new room. I look forward to them going from strength to strength.”

Cllr Louise McKinlay, leader of Brentwood Council, said: “I’m impressed that the band have already raised �85,000. They have some dedicated supporters, not least in John Wyndham who has shown fantastic commitment to the band over the years. They are a credit to our borough.”