STAFF at Weymouth's historic Nothe Fort are looking for people who would like to make a big bang or blow their own trumpet.

Eight years ago the Echo highlighted a fort appeal for volunteers so the attraction could provide the public with lively and colourful displays involving live firing of a cannon and period muskets.

The response was excellent and its Victorian re-enactment group thrived in the Fort, so much so that it is now in the fortunate position of being able to buy a larger cannon.

So staff and the group have decided to try to start a military band to really show off the fort's new courtyard and its new piece of artillery.

People are again being asked to help because the Nothe Fort Artillery needs more volunteers to help man the new cannon and to aid in training people to use musical instruments.

The group usually meets up every second and fourth Sunday of the month during high season, closing only for a few weeks over the Christmas period.

Fort spokesman Brian Sneddon said: "This will be an important expansion.

"We already have nearly a dozen Artillery Volunteers and we are clearly going to need more for this bigger new cannon.

"At the same time, we felt that the Fort could support a military band and we would love to hear from people who would like to play in it or who have instruments that they could donate to us.

"Our ultimate aim is not just for us to be able to hold public performances in the Fort but for our band to travel out to different suitable events so that we can bring news, details and information about the Fort to as wide an audience as possible.

"We hope that as many people as possible answer our appeal for the band and the cannon."

If anyone is interested in volunteering or helping then the Fort is holding recruitment days on April 13 and April 27, or contact secretary Monica Donohoe on 01305 777328.