Brass band star retires pregnant

Black Dyke band has parted company for the time being with flugel player Zoe Lovatt-Cooper, who is expecting her first baby.

Zoe, who has been with Black Dyke for ten years, has won just about every flugel competition on earth.

She says: ‘I’m excited to share the news of our first child in February. Paul and I are absolutely delighted and are looking forward to the joy and excitement that a new family member will bring. It has however made me think about my future playing with Black Dyke.

‘The band is in great demand all over the world and requires full commitment, which as a new mum can be extremely challenging. 2020 hasn’t been the year that any of us expected and certainly not how I wanted my final year to plan out, but after consideration I’ve decided that the time is now right.’

On the upside, Black Dyke has just been awarded £76,080 in a Covid recovery grant.