A SCHOOL band from the North-East is taking part in Europe's biggest youth music festival in London today.

Lord Lawson Concert Band, from Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, will perform at the 34th National Festival of Music for Youth.

They will join 10,000 other young musicians, singers and dancers playing classical, traditional, jazz, rock and pop.

Most of the band are aged 11 to 14 and play a mix of brass and woodwind instruments.

Their set includes music from Pirates of the Caribbean, Chicago and the Ritual Fire Dance.

The band was formed in 2002 and music teacher Philippa Matthews said any adult band would be proud to perform the music they play.

She said: "Most of these kids are quite young and they have done really well because they are playing hard pieces. Getting to play at this festival is a great achievement for them. I am very proud."

It is the first time the band has entered any festivals, although they have performed at school concerts and at the MetroCentre.

Band member Tom Gordon, 13, said: "Hard work, commitment and stamina have got us where we are today. Not even two years in and we are playing in London with the best of them, it's amazing."

The top performances from all of the categories are chosen to be performed at the Royal Albert Hall for the National Schools Proms in November.