A BRASS band left in the lurch after the closure of a social club which owns their Royston practice venue has launched a fundraising drive to secure its future.

Royston Town Band meets in a hut to the back of the Manor House, Melbourn Street, but the building is currently under offer.

And it is rumoured pub chain JD Wetherspoon will buy the Grade II* listed building - which is on English Heritage’s At Risk Register.

The town band are looking at a number of options including moving the mobile unit and renting a new site but need to raise funds to ensure they can continue.

A variety of events have been arranged including a Drinks Reception and Auction of Promises scheduled to take place on May 19 at Royston Golf Club.

Larry Lamb, band secretary, said: “We can’t speculate about the amount of money we hope to raise, if anything we will continue to get money for the band, keep it in the town and support the events.

“We’re looking to raise �500 or �600 but it would be very nice if the amount is higher, but we are looking to make significant inroads into the amount we pay for rent.”

Several lots for auction have already been donated with a flight in a Tiger Moth biplane, a ride on a Harley Davidson motorbike and a Thai massage up for grabs.

The town band is self financed and it is hoped that this and other events will help relieve the pressure on the group’s already squeezed funds.