Young members of Florencecourt Old Gate Flute Band were relaxing and dreaming of the instruments they might play when they grow up when The Impartial Reporter spoke to them.

Eight-year-olds Sophie Armstrong and Mia Ford have been in the band for two years - one playing the flute, and the other the triangle - and both enjoy being in the band.

Their band had a warm reception as they paraded through Irvinestown and plenty of proud family members and friends waved at the youngest members on parade.

When asked their favourite thing about the Twelfth, they paused, before Sophie answered first: “The ice cream van!”

Mia paused and nodded in agreement, confirming: “The ice cream van.”

Both were proudly wearing commemorative rosettes which were given out to them and other young people taking part in the parade, helping to mark the day in Irvinestown.  

Mia explained: “There was a big box and they gave out these badges,” with both agreeing that the rosettes were “nice”.

Younger sister, Sarah Armstrong (6) then joined in the conversation. When asked what she liked most about the day so far, she said: “Playing in the band, and the ice cream van.”

She helpfully explained: “I have the stick - you twist it around and throw it."

All the girls have family connections in the band, with Sarah telling this reporter: “My dad plays the bass drum.”

Mia happily shared her connection: “My dad plays too, he plays the flute!”

All were keen to advance in the band and explained that they had been practicing a lot in the lead-up to the Twelfth.

They are among the youngest members of the band, and hope to be joined by more family members and friends in the future.

The girls said: “Hopefully next year there will be more people.”