CAROLS always sound better with the accompaniment of a silver band, and this December Hatherleigh Silver Band will be kept busier than ever with a packed programme of festive events.

Sunday December 5 sees the band taking part in a Christmas concert with mince-pies and a prize draw at North Tawton Town Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

The next day the band are helping light up Hatherleigh, switching on the town's Christmas lights at 7.30pm in the square.

On Friday December 10 the players will accompany the farmers' carol service at Hatherleigh Market, which starts at 7.30pm.

Dingles Steam Village plays host to the musicians on Sunday December 12 for a charity carol concert, beginning at 3pm.

The musicians will then play a Christmas concert at Hatherleigh Community Centre on Friday December 17. The evening starts at 7.30pm, and there will be mince-pies, as well as a raffle.

Christmas Eve will see the silver band performing at a traditional carol service around the Christmas tree in the square at Hatherleigh. The service begins at 7pm, and the band will then move around the town, playing carols throughout the evening.

In between all these events, the band will be caroling in various villages around Hatherleigh throughout the festive season.