ALL are invited to the Boys' Brigade Carol Service taking place this Sunday in Dunblane.

Led by the P7 boys, and with music by the BB Band, the event kicks of at 6.30pm in St. Blane’s Church.

The service will focus on the long journeys made in the Nativity story and remind us about the journeys of refugees in the modern day, with a retiring collection for Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal.

Mince pies and refreshments will be served in the church hall afterwards and everyone is welcome.

Meanwhile, the BB will hold a large public foodbank collection for Startup Stirling on Thursday, December 22, from 4pm-7pm at St. Blane’s Church Hall (next to the library) in Dunblane.

All members of the public are encouraged to donate a few items of non-perishable foodstuffs to ensure the very busy food bank is well stocked over Christmas and into January, both times that can see high demand as families cope with bills for presents, heating, etc. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Last Sunday, the BB Band marked another huge milestone in its progress, as it achieved a Silver Plus Award at the regional heats of the Scottish Concert Bands Festival in Livingston.

This was the first time that the band had entered a competitive event for concert bands and they performed four pieces - Knights of Destiny, Risk Everything for a Dream, Celtic Air & Dance and Libertango - much to the enjoyment of the two experienced adjudicators, who had lots of praise for the soloists and the whole band.

The band (pictured above) also qualified for the national finals of the competition, to be held in Perth Concert Hall in March 2017.

Finally, anyone shopping online for Christmas gifts can also help the company for free by using www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/25thStirlingBB to click through to preferred retailers. This means that the BB gets between 1 per cent and 5 per cent of your purchase cost, at no additional expense.

For more information about The Boys’ Brigade in Dunblane, please visit www.dunblanebb.org.uk or see facebook.com/dunblanebb. Follow us the group Twitter or Instagram @dunblanebb or call 01786 821387.