THE school halls were alive with the sound of music when pupils staged a 24-hour music marathon.

Musicians from Spennymoor School played round-the-clock on Friday to raise sponsorship money for a European tour this summer.

More than 50 children started the fundraising with music lessons followed by events during break times. And the challenge continued after the final bell.

Pupils were sponsored to take part in the event and the money raised will go towards their trip to Germany where they will perform two public concerts.

Music teacher Alistair Hamilton said: "The music marathon was not just about fundraising for the trip, but about team building and having a laugh together before going overseas for the first time and enduring a 20-hour coach trek."