A grant from the Mary Hignett Bequest Fund recently helped the Porthywaen Silver Band to purchase soft Gig Bags.

These will used to transport instruments safely to and from venues. In particular, the old hard case for the oversized BBb bass tuba has been replaced with a soft version.

Susan Sharp, band secretary said: "The BBb flat bass instrument is one of the largest played by the band. Because of its size it is very difficult to put in a normal estate car in its hard case, so the instrument could be damaged as it is often transported by car without a case.

"The bags will mostly be used by our Youth and Training band which currently has up to 40 players attending on a Friday evening whose ages range from nine to 60 plus. The number of concerts that they attend throughout the year is growing so it is important that their kit is properly protected."

Local author Mary Hignett left half of her estate to the Rotary Cub of Oswestry to award grants to sports and arts projects in the Oswestry area. Applications are invited and received in autumn each year with awards paid out over the following months. Ad hoc applications are considered if the funds are available. For further details visit www.rotarycluboswestry.co.uk and search for Mary Hignett.

For further information about the Porthywaen Silver Band please email psbsecretary@icloud.com or visit their Facebook page.