TWO brothers who turned a love of music into careers with the army made this year's Trooping the Colour ceremony a proud occasion their Radcliffe family.

Matt and Simon Gray, of Blenmar Close, were among the hundreds of musicians who performed at the spectacular parade on Saturday – which this year marked the monarch's 90th birthday.

The pair, aged 38 and 32, are both former members of the Besses Boys Band and gained degrees in music from Salford University, after attending The Derby High School and Holy Cross College.

Matt, who plays trombone, is a Sergeant in the Coldstream Guards, whose regimental flag was trooped this year. Simon, a cornet player, is a Lance Corporal in the Irish Guards.

Both have performed in the ceremony on a number of occasions but their parents say this year's event was extra special.

Their mum, Wendy Gray, aged 68, said: "I'm extremely proud of them both.

"Being with the band, they have travelled all around the world and seen some fantastic places. Matthew spent a month in the Far East last year and has been to New Zealand, and Simon went to Abu Dhabi.

"They both love their music and have been able to turn a hobby into a career. This is the 14th year they have been involved with the Trooping of the Colour and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

"This year was extra special for us all, with it being the Queen's 90th birthday. I have never seen so many people in all my life and it was a really good atmosphere."

Dad, Peter Gray, added: "I was in the square for the Trooping of the Colour and saw it all.

"It's a very proud feeling to see them out there, especially with the celebration being a bit more special this year. It's unusual to have two brothers who are both involved with it.

"I have never known London to be so busy, it was absolutely heaving.

"The Coldstream Guards were trooping the colour this year, too, which was another thing that made it even more special than usual for us."