Sir.-Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of acting as compere for the splendid Millennium Brass Concert at The Anvil.

I wish to congratulate the five local bands, their musical directors and their organisers for a thoroughly enjoyable and quality musical concert. They are a real credit to our borough.

In particular, however, I would like to praise the seven pupils from John Hunt of Everest Community School - Laura, Aaron, Kayleigh, Liz, Matt, Kerry and Zoe - performing as The Pan Everest Steel Band, the guests of the evening.

Not only did these young people perform with exuberance and musical skill, but my encounter with them revealed them to be people of graciousness, courtesy and modesty.

Their families and their school can be justly proud of them and I wish them every success.

-Paul Connolly, Yew Tree Close, Oakley, Basingstoke.