Kelly Jones has often spoken of his band's affinity with Cwmaman

Members of the Cwmaman Institute Silver Band were paid a surprise visit by guitarist and singer Kelly Jones, who presented them with a cheque.

The rock group donated the money after hearing the band had qualified for two national competitions.

The money will be used to fund the cost of the competitions.

Gary Davies, chairman of the brass band, which was founded in 1876, said the cash would help pay for the cost of bringing their conductor John Hudson over from Norway.

It is just fantastic that they are giving something back to their home town Gary Davies, Cwmaman Institute Silver Band

"We write a standard letter asking for donations to local businesses and this year we popped one through Kelly's letterbox," he said.

"We didn't expect to hear anything back, but somehow the letter made it through, and the next thing we heard was that the band wanted to make a donation."

'Huge difference'

Mr Davies, who went to school with both band members, Kelly Jones and bassist Richard Jones, said they asked how much the band needed.

"For two competitions it will cost between �13,000 - �15,000, and we had raised some money already," he said.

"So they donated the �10,000 shortfall.

"It is a huge amount of money and will make a huge difference to us.

"And it is just fantastic that they are giving something back to their home town."

'Quite unreal'

Kelly Jones even made a surprise appearance during the rehearsals to hand over the cheque.

"We had been told he might come but that it was unlikely," said Mr Davies.

2004 was always going to be an exciting year for the band... the year just got better Gary Davies

"Then when he did turn up it was quite unreal.

"I've known him for a long time - I was a year older than him and Richard in school and we used to play football together.

"But he is a huge superstar now and everyone in the band was just over the moon," he added.

The band will compete in the British Open Brass Band Championships in the Birmingham Symphony Hall, and the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall in London later this year.

Mr Davies added: "Since qualifying for both competitions, 2004 was always going to be an exciting year for the Cwmaman Institute Silver Band.

"However, it's not every day that a brass band is supported by such a band such as the Stereophonics - the year just got better."