An hydraulic valve (10) has a body (20) with a longitudinal bore therein. An annular recess (29,30,31) is formed within the longitudinal bore (21) and has a circumferential surface (27) through which a fluid port (28,30,32) opens. A filter band (82), with a plurality of apertures (84) there through, is located within the annular recess (29,30,31) abutting the circumferential surface (27). A helical spring (90) has spaced apart convolutions (92,94,96) that engage the filter band (82) and exert an outward radial force which holds the filter band (82) against the circumferential surface (27) of the bore recess (29,30,31). A valve element, such as a spool (44), is slideably received within the longitudinal bore (21) to control flow of fluid through the fluid port (28,30,32).