BUDDING musicians from around Millom will be kept kitted out and fully equipped thanks to the legacy of a much-loved businessman.

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The Holborn Hill Royal Brass Band has been awarded August’s £1,000 monthly grant from the Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund Evening Mail giveaway.

The musicians, who regularly play at charity and community events, plan to spend the funds on the band’s school section. It encourages and supports more than 30 children aged five to 16 from across the Millom area to learn to play music.

Mark Houston, player and band secretary, says the money will be used to buy and repair instruments for the youngsters, update their uniforms and pay for their music.

Of being told the group had secured the funds, he said: “It was fantastic, really.

“I‘d applied for it and then thought nothing of it because you don’t expect to get anything, so when they phoned up it was wonderful. It means we can afford to do all these things which do add up.”

The Lake District Farmers Armstrong Family Charitable Fund was set up by late Barrow businessman and philanthropist, Ray Armstrong alongside Lake District Farmers managing director, Dan Austin.

Of its latest donation, Mr Austin said: “This is something that encourages children to be creative and that is always a positive thing.

“When you bring together people who share a passion for music, that can only be a beneficial environment in which young people can flourish. We are very proud to support this.”

Born following Mr Armstrong’s diagnosis with liver and pancreatic cancer in August 2012, the charitable fund has continued to inspire generosity and support since his death in April 2013.

Funds are raised at an annual celebrity chef event, hosted and sponsored by Clarence House Country Hotel and Restaurant in Dalton.

Mr Armstrong, who was boss of PKA and Lake District Farmers, wanted to ensure £1,000 was donated to community groups every month. He arranged for applicants to make bids for the funding through the Evening Mail, with the winners of the money being featured in this newspaper on the first Monday of every month.