Ray Sykes has once again followed in his late father’s footsteps by being honoured by the Queen.

Ray has been awarded an MBE for services to brass band music and to the community in South Elmsall.

We all know that Ray began his playing career with the junior section of the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band when he was only six years old, and after only three years he had become a soloist with the main band.

Ray’s later followed father Bill Sykes into the mining industry. Bill was once the manager of Frickley Colliery and also Chairman of the band. A position which Ray has held for over 20 years.

The honour is also following in Bill’s footsteps as he was awarded an MBE in 1975 for services to the mining industry and the community of South Elmsall.

Ray has commented that ”If my dad was here today we would pop over to the soldiers and have a couple of pints together. I was proud of my father. He was a great man and I do not think I could ever quite follow in his footsteps.”

The band are absolutely delighted for Ray and can’t wait for the Queen to mention the day she met Ray Sykes in his band uniform!