AN ACCOMPLISHED German musician will be joining the ranks of Torbay Brass Band for the regional finals of the National Brass Band Championships this weekend.

German Eb Bass player, Kurt Klingspoor, will join the bass section of the band during his first visit to the Bay.

Kurt said: "I am delighted to be here in Torquay and to have the opportunity to play in the contest.

"I heard Torbay Brass Band play when they visited the Rhine Valley in 2008. They made a big impression on many people who attended their concerts, not only with their playing but also with their friendliness, and they were great ambassadors for this area.

"We hope that they will return very soon to Germany on another trip."

Kurt responded to an advert for brass band players he spotted on the internet and has taken a week off to play with the local band.

Torbay Brass Band chairman David Wilkinson said: "We are delighted that Kurt is here to play with us in the concert. Kurt saw our advert on one of the brass band internet sites and contacted me asking me if he could come and spend the week here rehearsing and playing with us."

Another nine players will be making their debuts with the band as it attempts to reach the national finals.

The contest is open to the public and will feature some 80 bands from the South West.

The two-day event at the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, starts at 10am on Saturday and Sunday and continues all day.