A COMMUNITY band for all ages and abilities has been formed.

Whittonstall Community Band is learning the music of Pirates of the Caribbean, Bohemian Rhapsody and Beatles tracks as its starter pieces.

Shotley Low Quarter Parish Council was been awarded £2,351 by Kiln Pit Hill Windfarm Community Fund and the Tyne and Wear Community Foundation to sset up the band.

It will be led by John Myers, a qualified band master and music teacher with Music Partnership North Northumberland, who teaches brass at Whittonstall First School, Corbridge Middle School and Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham.

Shotley Low Quarter Parish Councillor Jo Holmes said: “This project provides an exciting opportunity for an intergenerational activity to take place on our own doorstep and I am sure it will be a huge success.

“Many residents have said what a great idea it is and are looking forward to either joining the band or listening to their first performance.”

Practice sessions will be held every Thursday through term time at St Philip and St James Church, in Whittonstall, from 6.30pm to 8pm, starting on Thursday, February 27.

Anyone interested in joining or who need further information can contact Andy Spencer on 07929-581412 or visit whittonstallcommunityband.weebly.com