KELTY and Blairadam Pipe Band marched their way to a superb runner-up result in the World Pipe Band Championships.

The band exceeded expectations to qualify in fourth place in their grading before coming second in the finals last month.

Held at Glasgow Green, the event attracted around 8,000 pipers and drummers from across 13 countries, with 214 pipe bands turning out for the competition on August 18.

Competing in the Grade 4B banding, Kelty and Blairadam finished ahead of 16 other bands to take the runners-up position behind winners Gransha.

David Bark, band chairman, said celebrations continued late into the night following their success.

He said: "It was quite an achievement for us to qualify as there are bands from across the world taking part.

"We have a lot of youngsters in the band, and we were struggling to get rehearsal time as they had exams in the build-up to it.

"It shows the ability they have. Some of them have been with us from primary school, and they've shown what they can do progressing over the years".

He added: "We put our maximum efforts into the World Championships as we didn't really get a look in last year.

"We were absolutely delighted to finish second. We were in the park for hours afterwards."

The band rehearse at Kelty Ex-Servicemen's Club on a Monday and Thursday between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.

"We're looking for new members all the time and anyone is welcome," David added.

The band's success was recently highlighted by MSP Annabelle Ewing who congratulated them on their fine performance.

She said: "To come second overall in their grade competition is a fantastic achievement, particularly since it represents their best result of the year, showing that they peaked perfectly for Worlds.

"This year’s result also represents significant progress from last year’s 15th place and I am sure that the band members will be looking forward to the opportunity to go one better next year!"