A JOHNSTONE band are piping hot following a recent win at a UK-wide competition.

This comes ahead of the European Championships this week where members hope to retain their top title from last year.

Johnstone Pipe Band was founded in 1943 and at the moment the team consists of two groups, grades two and four.

There are between 70 and 80 members across the two bands including support staff and chaperones.

This month the musicians were on fire at the UK Pipe Band Championships in Belfast where both grades two and four bands placed high.

The grade two band came third in their competition while the grade four band placed ninth.

They were however the highest placed Scottish band in the grade, with the competition dominated by the home bands.

Grade two pipe major Keith Bowes Jr said: "I was pleased with the way the grade two band performed in what was an extremely high standard competition.

"There are always areas to work on, but with another top three position, it hopefully keeps us in contention to challenge for the remaining three major championships of the year."

Now the groups are preparing for the European Champtionships in Forres on June 25.

The grade twos are looking to defend their top title from last year while the grade fours hope to improve on their seventh place.

The Johnstone Pipe Band have members from all over West Central Scotland but the majority reside in the Renfrewshire area.

There was also a piper over from Australia to play in the World Championships last year.

Between the two bands there have been eight victories in 15 competitions this season including wins at the GWOS indoor competition, Shotts and Gourock and three third places at the two majors.

John Shaw, a spokesperson from the band said: "The community, organisation and ethos of the band make it stand out, from the youngest to the oldest the idea of giving your all whilst still enjoying yourself is accepted by all.

"The grade four band has was restarted last year to give some of the newer members experience of competitions and there are also plans for a novice juvenile band to give even younger members the experience."

The band are currently on the lookout for sponsorship to help enable them expand.

Anyone has the opportunity to join the Johnstone Pipe Band from learners through to experienced pipers and drummers.

Details can be found by calling John Shaw on 07751500520.