AN appeal has gone out for bagpipe players and drummers to join Colchester’s first pipes and drums band.

Colchester and District Pipes and Drums are so serious about representing the town, they have created their own Colchester tartan. Kilts are currently being made by a craftsman in the town.

Chairman John Roy said the group hoped to launch the band with a charity concert in April, when the kilts are ready and they have a full band.

There are currently 14 players, who have begun practising together, but a further 14 are needed to complete the line-up.

They have also introduced their own unique teaching programme, which allows people to develop at their own pace with full support and encouragement.

Pipers learn on an instrument called a practice chanter, on which all trained members use to learn new material, only moving to the pipes once they have memorised the tune and are playing at the correct tempo.

Mr Roy said the group hoped to be among 700 pipe and drum bands to compete in the Scotland in Colchester event, on June 13, organised by Essex Caledonian.

The group meets in Copford Village Hall, but will be moving to Wix Village Hall from February 3.

Application forms are available to download at www.cadpad.co.uk