BRING in the clowns - fancy dressed Dorchester musicians are appealing for new members to help liven up council ceremonies.

Dorchester Carnival Band wants people of all ages to join its new brass and woodwind section to play at more events.

Fun-loving members dress as clowns for carnivals and processions, but hope to adopt more sombre attire to expand their repertoire to more serious functions.

Treasurer Pamela Burch said: "This is an exciting prospect not only for the band but for Dorchester town itself and the local council has offered its full support to the project.

"The band will still continue its very successful carnival persona. It is hoped by all members that we will be able to attend even more functions, both of a carnival and civic nature."

The carnival band has become famed for its jovial performances at Dorchester Carnival and the Casterbridge Christmas Cracker.

But it also plays at carnivals and in parades across the country. Mayor Wally Gundry and Mayoress Gladys Gundry recently joined musicians and their families when the band played in the Christmas procession at Wales's biggest shopping centre in Cwmbran.

Mrs Burch added: "The band is appealing for musicians of all ages to join our newly formed brass and woodwind section.

"Our aim is to enlarge the repertoire of a successful band into a more successful band, not only at carnivals throughout the country but also at civic ceremonies."

The Holbaek Garden Band, other groups and military troupes had helped carnival band members when they came to form the new woodwind and brass section.

Mrs Burch added: "The carnival band has a wide age range of members, from 15 to sixtyish, so people should not think they are too young or too old.

"While it would be of a greater advantage if new members had had their own instruments, schemes are in place to obtain these."

Anyone who wants to join the Dorchester Carnival Band or wanting more information about the brass and woodwind section is urged to call secretary Dave Burch on (01305) 262863.