THE family of a late army musician is honouring his memory by opening a brass class to teach young people how to play an instrument.

In January 2021, Robbie Bowering from Poole was diagnosed with cancer.

He bravely battled the disease for two and a half years, but died in July 2023 at the age of 31.

(Image: Paul Bolden)

Robbie's father-in-law, Paul Bolden, has raised nearly £6,000 to set up the Robbie Bowering Brass Class within Youth Music Wessex.

Paul, 54, completed a Dutch walking challenge called The Nijmegen Four Day Marches, which is one of the most attended walking events in the world.

Paul said: "For four days we walked a minimum of 30km a day in 29 degree heat.

"It was tremendous fun because we had support from all the Dutch people and we raised a good amount of money."

The march originated in 1909 as an event for the military.

Nowadays, anyone is welcome to join.

Funds raised from the walk will be used to set up the youth brass group, which aims to provide beginners with affordable access to brass tuition and instruments.

Robbie was a musician both "professionally and by inclination".

In 2015, he joined the Grenadier Guards band, initially on the trombone, and he also went on concert tours in Japan and Pakistan.

Paul said: "Music teaches children a lot about themselves. But it is something that reaches out across all types of people, races and denominations.

"Letting children learn to play and create music is just a great way of making friends and feeling confident in your life."

The class aims to give children the opportunity to play music in an affordable and enjoyable environment.

Eligible candidates can apply for full or partial bursaries to cover class fees, instrument hire, and lessons for the brass class.

(Image: Submitted)

A launch event is being held on September 21 at Lytchett Minster School at 9am where children can come and try their hand at the cornet, trumpet, tenor horn, French horn or the trombone.