Brass band member apologises for wearing golliwog mask

A member of a brass band has apologised for wearing a golliwog-style mask during a competition performance in Derbyshire.

Stan Lippeatt stepped down as chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators (Abba) after the "misjudged" act at the Bolsover Festival of Brass.

A spokesman for Bolsover Council said it was investigating the incident.

Mr Lippeatt said: "We did not set out to offend anyone with its inclusion."

He added: "I apologise fully to all concerned for what was the totally misjudged inclusion of the item performed in such a way in our programme."

He described it as a "play on words with an added prop" which Hatfield Colliery Band band members said took place during a performance of the musical number Hello Dolly.

"I can assure everyone that I did not set out to cause any offence... What came across was not what was intended and was totally misjudged," said Mr Lippeatt.

"I apologise for any offence that may have been caused at the contest and to the contest organisers who have been wonderful supporters of the banding movement."

Members of the band, which is based in South Yorkshire, described Mr Lippeatt as a "really nice guy".