FOR the past four decades Hazel Jack has been rising before dawn to provide an alarm service to the Standard Bearer and Provost.

The 50-year-old joined Selkirk Flute Band while still at primary school.

And, like many of her bandmates, has never felt the urge to put down her instrument since.

On Thursday evening Hazel was presented with a certificate and memento to mark her 40th Common Riding as a band member.

Hazel told us: “I wanted to learn the flute to start with and I have just felt a pull to the band ever since.

“When I first started it was almost all men in the band but that has changed down the years. We are now about half and half.”

Angus Wilson and Dougie Squance marked their 40th Common Ridings last year.

And with a growing number of children picking up the flute, the once threatened band appears to have a bright future.

Hazel added: “Dougie and Moira Squance do a great job of running the Flute Band.

“We have a healthy membership just now but we are always looking for new members to join us.”

As well as playing throughout Selkirk Common Riding, the Flute Band entertain at Christmas and other special events throughout the year.

The band pratice every Monday from 7pm in St Joseph's Church Hall.