IT was not so long ago that there were fears that the Southern Counties Youth Band Championships could march off the Eastleigh map.

But the future is looking bright again for a popular contest which draws young musicians from across the south coast and as far as the Midlands.

And over the weekend the sun shone on the 33rd Southern Counties Youth Championships as the grounds of Eastleigh's Alderman Quilley School provided a spectacular stage for more than 20 bands.

In the foreword to the programme, contest director Colin Hearn said: "Last year we thought it was going to be our last competition.

"But with the dedication of our committee and the continued sponsorship from Pica Design and Print Limited and Angela Coaches Limited we are back again.

"As long as the competitions remain part of the British Youth Band Association we will continue to bring you a competition here in Eastleigh each year."

The all-day contest, which covered novice, Championship and premier classes, opened with a fanfare and flag break by the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band, The Spitfires.

Among bands marching away with a glittering array of trophies were The Cavaliers of Basingstoke who came second in the premier class, being beaten by only 28 points. As well as clinching the title of the Best Southern Counties Band, The Cavaliers scooped trophies for best colour guard, best turnout, best general musical effect and best percussion section. Best Southern Counties Band in the novice class were the Forum Marching Brass from Blandford, Dorset. They were runners-up in the novice class.

Championship winners were the Stateside Drum and Bugle Corp from Gloucester.