JOHNSTONE Pipe Band are sure to be feeling hoarse this week after they were crowned World Champions.

Both grades came away with top prizes after competing at Glasgow Green in front of 35,000 spectators.

This season has seen the two bands travel to the likes of North Berwick, Belfast, Forres and all points in between.

At the World Championships on Saturday, August 13 there were around 230 bands bringing in 8000 pipers and drummers from across the world.

Musicians travelled as far afield as Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Canada, England, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark and Zimbabwe.

Although the competition was fierce, Johnstone prevailed in both Grade 2 and Grade 4b.

The Grade 2 band faced 23 other bands and won a world title for the third year in a row after placing third in the other four majors this season.

Their consistency over the season was also rewarded with a runners up spot in the Band Champion of Champions table.

Grade 2 Pipe Major Keith Bowes Jr said: "I am hugely proud of the achievements of both bands at the Worlds, the amount of work and effort that was out in by each band member was fantastic.

"I'd like to thank the band members, family and friends and everyone connected to the band for their support and commitment.

"For Renfrewshire to be able to boast two World Champion Pipe Bands in the same year is an incredible achievement and I think we will all enjoy the upcoming Rothesay and Cowal Games"

The Grade 4 band were up against 64 other bands and capped off only their second year competing by following up their wins in the Scottish and European Championships by winning their first World Championship title.

In taking three of the five majors this season the Grade 4 band were also crowned Champion of Champions in both the band and drumming categories.

The bands now look forward to finishing the season with trips to Rothesay and Cowal Games over the next two Saturdays.

Grade 4 Pipe Major Keith Bowes Sr said: "It really was an incredible day with both bands coming up trumps when it really mattered.

"The hard work put in by the band members over the winter months and in the earlier competitions this season has stood them in good stead and they should all be proud of themselves.

"Half of this band are still at school with one of them only starting High School this week, to think that they are finishing the season with Scottish, European, World and Champion of Champion titles in an adult grade is just amazing."

Despite their fantastic win, Johnstone Pipe Band show no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Upcoming competition dates include the Rothesay Highland Games on Saturday, August 20 and the Cowal Games on Saturday, August 27.

Johnstone residents and those from across the world were quick to offer their congratulations to the bands.

Ashraf Mohd said: "Fantastic. The real champions got a glittering attraction."

Eleanor Queen said: "Well done to you all, you must be mega proud. It was a great day with great wins all round."

Douglas Reid said: "Flawless guys and girls - you brought tears to my eyes. Well done."

Robert Lindsay said: "Congratulations to both JPB bands, two brilliant performances. This is a reward for all the hard work and commitment of everyone associated with the organisation."

Kind words have also come from SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Mhairi Black.

She said: "It was wonderful to find out that Johnstone Pipe Band had won another title and did us very proud once again.

"Johnstone Pipe Band are an amazing local organisation, not only for winning titles, but for their volunteers providing expert tuition to a whole host of pupils regardless of their background.

"The band did an extraordinary job at the World and won the titles of Grade 2, and Grade 4B Champions for 2016.

"I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in achieving this amazing feat."

Johnstone Pipe Band are currently on the lookout for sponsorship to help enable them expand and progress the band and their educational activities.

For further information please contact the band on 07751 500520.