SOME of the country's top bands travelled to the North-East at the weekend for the 28th Brass in Concert Contest.

It was the last time that the event was staged at Spennymoor Leisure Centre, County Durham, which has been its home for 19 years.

Next year, it will take place at The Sage music centre in Gateshead, which will enable organisers to sell more tickets for the event, which began as a one-off in 1977 in Darlington.

Paul Beere, who organises the contest with his wife Jacqueline, said that people had travelled from as far as Australia and Norway to see the bands compete.

He said: "What started out as a one-off event organised by my father Cyril is now recognised as the premiere musical event of its kind in the United Kingdom and even Europe.

"Spennymoor has been our home for the last 19 occasions and this weekend we bring down the curtain with many thanks to all who have worked at the centre over the years and who have supported our efforts in staging the contest.''

Ten bands, some from as far away as Cornwall and Scotland, performed at the the leisure centre to see who would be crowned the champions.

Last year's winners, Grimethorpe Colliery, and County Durham band Reg Vardy (Ever Ready) were among the outfits performing pieces for the 800 spectators.

Results from the event will be published in The Northern Echo tomorrow.

Published: 22/11/2004