LAUNCESTON Town Band's Lauren Oliver won the special award for best horn player in the band's eighth Annual Solo and Quartet Contest at the town's Central Methodist Church on Saturday, as well as second in the open slow melody class.

A junior member of Launceston Town Band (LTB), Nathan Baker, won the special award for the most promising player, although he was narrowly defeated by LTB's Gemma Brown in the Special Needs class.

Gemma won first prize on this occasion for her cornet playing, rather than for her percussion skills.

Three members of Indian Queens Band also won special awards — Chloe George (best cornet), Kevin Ackford (best euphonium) and Denzil Boundy (best bass).

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.