DARLINGTON'S new youth bands will play in a music festival in the town's market square this week.

The first Yo-Yo-Newblood Live Festival for teenagers will be held on Friday.

Darlington Borough Council's youth services and the town's Forum Music Centre have helped to organise the free event.

Local bands performing will include The Felons, Belladonna, The Brass Bandits and Bubblegum Thrash.

It is hoped the event will promote the Youth Offer - a council list of youth activities and events provided by the voluntary, private and public sector. Darlington Borough Council's Youth Offer must be completed by early next year. Children will then be asked what activities they would like.

Teenagers are working with the youth service to find ways to promote the council's list.

The festival, which runs from 6.30pm until 9.30pm, links in with regular Newblood Live sessions at The Forum, where young bands are invited to perform.

Chris McEwan, cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is a great way to find out what young people want."

For information about the festival, call01325-346816.