THE arrival of a consignment of African drums this week will see the official launch of a new community group.

Tees Valley World Drummers - Drumz - will receive £2,600 worth of fairly-traded drums to their headquarters in Marton Road, Middlesbrough.

The drum group, which is expecting a further delivery of Samba drums from Brazil in the coming weeks, said it was hoping that the new equipment would see a wave of volunteers beating a path to their door.

Drumz secretary Biniam Araia said: "Drumz are extending an invitation to everyone in the Tees Valley interested in and committed to the group's aims: to have fun and learn basic drumming skills. And for those who are a bit more adventurous, to perform at regional events."

Initial funding of £6,500 for the organisation has come from Middlesbrough's Neighbourhood Support Fund.

The group is hoping to use the drumming sessions to promote integration among different ethnic groups.

Drumz first performance will be at this year's refugee week event, in Preston Park, Stockton, on June 18.

Hilaire Agnama, of Drumz, said the group wanted to bring people together in a spirit of harmony and fun.