THE hills were alive with the sound of music when a Redhill band celebrated its 30th anniversary in northern Italy.

The ten-day tour last month took The Redhill Corps of Drums & Band to the edges of Lake Garda where they performed three concerts.

To honour the host country, the band strayed from their usual British repertoire to perform a selection of popular Italian classics.

These included the famous Ol Sole Mio and Time to say Goodbye originally sung by Andrea Bocelli.

During the past 30 years, the band have performed in Germany, France, Holland and Luxembourg as well as many cities throughout the United Kingdom.

They were formed in 1981 by Anthony Earthy, who was a former musician in the Queens Regiment.

Two of the original members are performing with the band. One of them is bandmaster, David Edge.

He said: "The band is very family orientated.

"My daughter, Michelle, and grandson, Matthew, are also members.

"Most of the current members have stayed with us for the last ten years.

"This, of course, does not include the band's youngest member who is an eight-year-old cornet player."

David will be leading his and five other bands in the procession at the Lord Mayor's Show in London on November 12.

For more information on the band call David on 01293 774352.