A BOOK giving a special insight into local band music and in particular Malton's White Star band is published this month. And the Band Played On, by Greg Christie - an extract of which is presented here - was written to celebrate 100 years of the White Star Band.

Research for the book, says the author, showed the Malton Messenger, predecessor of the Gazette & Herald, played an important role in the development of band music in the town.

Heartbeat star Bill Maynard, aka Claud Greengrass agreed to write the book's foreword. He has done it partly as a personal favour to Mr Christie and partly because he loves the town so much.

Some years ago, when Greg was living in Leicestershire, his wife nursed Mr Maynard's parents.

"After they passed away, Bill said if there was anything he could ever do to help he would. I thought it was time and after all these years I asked him," said Greg.

Bill remembered how kind the nurses had been. Also, he told Greg through his agent, he loves brass bands and he has loved Malton for 45 years and so would be pleased to add his words to the book.

When the White Star band asked Mr Christie to write the book he agreed, provided it was a proper book, not a little booklet.

"I thought, I couldn't just write about the White Star band without including all the other organised bands in the area which have all contributed to a substantial social and musical history."

He began his research with the Malton Messenger. In 1823, the paper reported that Henry Smithson, the editor at that time, had started a sax-horn band and the Messenger had provided the funding for it.

"Reading through the years, I saw that the Malton Messenger played a large part in the furtherance of organised music of the town," said Mr Christie.

All proceeds from the book go to band funds with 10pc to the Archbishop of York's flood appeal.

The launch is at 11am on Saturday, December 15, at Hoppers in Malton Market Place.

Updated: 11:32 Thursday, December 06, 2001