TEENAGERS Brioney Thompson and Sophie Robson are the toast of the brass band world.

The two schoolgirls provided the inspiration for a marathon recording session involving more than 160 musicians from bands throughout the region.

The CD, made at a school in Newton Aycliffe, was one of the biggest charity efforts by brass bands in Britain.

The idea for Brass Band Aid was conceived by 13-year-old Sophie's father, Steve Robson, who is conductor of the Stanhope Silver Band in Weardale.

The charity CD involved four local bands - Stanhope, Barnard Castle, Ferryhill and Broughtons, from Hetton-le-Hole.

But it was 15-year-old Brioney, whose father, Bob, also plays in the Stanhope band, who said: "Let's go for the cream of the brass band world."

The result was the four local bands were joined by members of the Black Dyke and Grimethorpe UK bands to form a celebrity band for the two days of recording. The CD will raise money for World Vision, an organisation which aids poor families around the world.

"It's been one of the most exciting weekends I can recall," said Mr Robson. "It has been a tremendous experience, with young kids rubbing shoulders with the elite of the brass band world."

Sophie raised £870 towards the costs of recording the CD.

The two girls were rewarded for their efforts by playing alongside the stars in the celebrity band on a "Feed the World" track of the CD.

The Brass Band Aid CD, which has cost £5,000 to record, will go on sale next month, priced £10.