THEY went the extra mile to hit all the right notes.

A brass band put on more than just a concert when they raced around a cruise ship as it got its send off from Southampton.

Members of the British Imperial Military Band broke a world record as they huffed and puffed their way round the deck of the MSC Splendida while it was berthed in the city’s docks.

The liner saw the musicians complete multiple laps of the 1,000 foot-length ship in order to complete a one-mile march in 14 minutes and 26 seconds.

The record-breaking feat was watched by hundreds of guests aboard the 137,000 ton ship, which is currently in the middle of an 11-night round-Britain cruise.

The band – made up of 21 serving and former military musicians – agreed to take on the challenge even though it meant playing their instruments while marching at a fierce 150 beats-per-minute pace.

Tunes played during the march contained military marches including 'Standard of St George’, ‘Sons of the Brave’ and ‘Colonel Bogey’.

Band leader Phil Manley added: “When MSC Cruises offered us the chance to set a record on one of its ships it was too good to miss.

“All the band members have been training hard to play and march at speed.

“This has been a fantastic challenge – we’ve played cruise ships away as they’ve left Southampton before but never been the star attraction ourselves.”

MSC Cruises executive director UK and Ireland Giles Hawke said: “For the next three months we will be giving UK holidaymakers the chance to get free Balcony cabin upgrades on the vast majority of our sailings through until winter 2016/2017.

“That’s the sort of deal that deserves a proper fanfare – and should certainly get people marching down to their travel agent to book.”

A video showing the band marching around the deck can be viewed on dailyecho.co.uk

For more information on fares on-board the MSC Splendida visit www.msccruises.co.uk or call 020 3426 3010.