MUSICIAN Richard Binding has been hitting the right notes in his local band for the past 60 years.

But the retired printer's impressive record of service with the Watchet Town Band has coincided with a crisis.

The music-making outfit is the oldest brass band in West Somerset and one of the oldest in the county.

But in its 120th anniversary year, a desperate shortage of members is threatening its future.

Richard started as a tenor player when he was just ten.

"I loved it straight away," he said. "No-one in my family was musical but I played the recorder and I could read music from the age of nine."

Richard moved on to the baritone horn but for the last 54 years has been the band's euphonium player.

"I still practise every day and I still enjoy it," he said.

"Being a member of the band has given me the chance to meet people and travel all over the country.

"I've loved every moment."

But the band is currently unable to plan any engagements for the forthcoming year because it currently has just 13 playing members.

"We've lost four top class players and we're about to lose another two up and coming young members," said Richard.

"We are at least half a dozen members short and at the moment we also don't have a bandmaster.

"We are really struggling and the situation is serious - there is a real threat to the future of the band if we don't find some new members quickly."

The band urgently needs bass, tenor and baritone players, as well as someone fairly proficient on the cornet.

Richard, who celebrates his 70th birthday in less than a fortnight, said musicians with at least some experience were needed.

"We need people who can at least play a bit immediately.

"It would be terrible if the band had to fold - it would be such a sad end and we just hope there are musicians out there - not necessarily in Watchet - who can help us."

The band holds twice weekly practice sessions and is due to hold its annual meeting later this month.

Anyone interested in signing up should contact the band secretary David Wilkins on 01643 633538.

Photo: Steve Guscott